On March 19, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and members of Congress from Los Angeles and other entertainment hot-zones around the country sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) urging relief for freelance and contract workers in the entertainment industry who have lost work because of coronavirus-related cancellations or postponements.

“The unique freelance nature of work in film, television, theater and live music means that a large number of the professionals who make these productions possible work only sporadically – often with extended periods between paying jobs – and count on income from each project to make ends meet,” the representatives wrote in the letter. “As a result, many of them can’t qualify for traditional unemployment benefits or paid emergency leave, yet will now be unable to cover their basic expenses due to lost work.”

The representatives urged Congressional leadership to calculate benefits based on verifiable anticipated earnings for a current or future contract that has been canceled, rather than prior wage history.

“As members representing many constituents who work in film, television, theater and live music, we urge you to include protections for those who have lost work due to coronavirus-related cancellations and postponements in the entertainment industry,” the letter continued.

Schiff spoke with SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White on the March 19 union podcast focused on the effects of coronavirus on union members.

In addition to Schiff, the letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village), Tony Cárdenas (D-Pacoima), Judy Chu (D-Pasadena), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-Fullerton), J. Luis Correa (D-Santa Ana), Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), Alan S. Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk), Harley Rouda (D-Laguna Beach), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Whittier) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), among others.