WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema led a bipartisan Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management Subcommittee hearing about the importance of telework during the coronavirus pandemic. Sinema highlighted concerns facing Arizona employees and employers as the workforce adapts during the current public health emergency.
“I know many companies in Arizona had to quickly transition their workforces to telework models due to the coronavirus pandemic. There are inherent challenges to implementing telework. Access to broadband, ensuring security in a virtual environment, providing the appropriate equipment, and supporting employees who feel socially isolated or challenged by the lack of person-to-person contact are some of the hurdles Arizona companies have had to overcome,” said Sinema, Ranking Member of the Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management Subcommittee.
During the hearing Sinema questioned officials on their recommendations to optimize telework options for Arizona employees and employers. Specifically, Sinema raised her concerns over the lack of broadband in Arizona communities and the importance of added flexibility for families as many schools plan to continue online education throughout the fall.
In March, Sinema introduced the bipartisan Emergency Telework Act—legislation requiring federal agencies to lead by example and help slow the spread of coronavirus by allowing all telework-eligible federal employees to work remotely during the current public health emergency.
Sinema has also added a resources page to her website, www.sinema.senate.gov/corona, for Arizonans looking for the latest information on coronavirus.
