I am a part-time essential worker and full time student, obtaining my Medical Assistant Certification. Today I found out that even though my work hours have been cut in half I do not qualify for COVID unemployment benefits because I am not considered full time. However, people who are full time and have experienced their hours being cut qualifies for COVID unemployment benefits.

I am sure that I am not the only person in the great state of Oklahoma or the United States for that matter that has experienced hardships because of this pandemic. Furthermore, I am sure I am not the only part-time employee struggling because of this. I find it extremely unfair to discredit the part-time workforce; and their contributions to our state and country by not including us in the eligibility of COVID Unemployment Benefits.

I ask that our State and Federal Representatives take us (the part-time employee) into consideration and rectify this slight against us. It is only right that we also be included, and by not adding us it can only leave me to believe that they think we (the part-time workforce) are not as important as full time workers. Please show us that all your constituents matter, and rectify this situation.