Rideshare Drivers United Georgia Inc., a nonprofit organization that represents the needs and interests of about 100,000 Uber and Lyft drivers across Georgia, sent an urgent letter to Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter, which explains what the organization calls dire conditions for Uber and Lyft drivers since the outbreak of the virus, asks the governor for several relief measures.
Some measures the group is requesting include ending all evictions and freezing the collection of rent, waiving state tax obligations for independent contractors making less than $200,000 a year, expediting SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid applications, and eligibility for unemployment benefits.
“Many drivers live paycheck to paycheck, with little money to fall back on in the event of an emergency or natural disaster like the COVID-19 pandemic we are facing today. A relatively larger number of Uber and Lyft drivers rely on short-term housing accommodations, such as extended stay hotels and Airbnb rentals, that require upfront payments weekly. Numerous drivers have contacted us expressing concern over a shortage of work. Some of them have already been evicted from their short-term rentals,” said Rideshare Drivers United Georgia Chairman, Austin Gates, “Georgians are depending on the leadership of our Governor to see us through these trying times. Mr. Governor, please act with expedience to protect our most vulnerable, and to protect life, liberty, and health.”
