As workers everywhere continue to deal with the health risks and effects of COVID-19, an increasing economic hardship has begun to take hold. In response to this, Governor DeWine has introduced Executive Order 2020-03D which increases access to unemployment benefits for Ohio workers, an act we commend. Unfortunately, due to our misclassification as independent contractors (as opposed to employees) by Uber, Lyft, and other \"Gig Economy\" companies, we are not eligible to receive these benefits. The nature of our work calls for close quarter interaction, making proper social distancing measures difficult and our exposure to the virus far more likely. This exposure is not something many drivers are able to tolerate, depriving them of the income that they depend upon. 

Furthermore, for drivers who cannot afford to stop working, the closing of bars and restaurants presents a significant decrease in demand and earnings. Therefore, we are presenting the following demands of our City and State Legislators:

• A temporary basic income for all \"Gig Economy\" workers, including but not limited to; Uber, Lyft, Doordash, and Postmates Drivers.
• This income must last at least as long as the declared State of Emergency as well as the closure of bars and restaurants, which severely impacts our ability to earn.
• This income must be commensurate to the average weekly earnings made by drivers throughout the six week period leading up to March 9th, 2020.
• A statewide eviction moratorium until the end of the crisis.

Without the adoption of these measures, thousands of workers could be forced to choose between meeting their own basic needs or risking their exposure to and spread of COVID-19, making its containment all the more difficult. Every day that drivers are forced to make this choice is a step toward poverty and crisis. An adoption of these measures must be a top priority of our government. We ask you to help us urge them to action.