Connecticut workers are urging lawmakers to extend workers' compensation coverage to include first responders and health care workers affected by COVID-19.

Scott Mesloh is a registered nurse. He says he got COVID-19 at work and is still sick and struggling financially.

"I don't want to be denied being a human, having done my job," he says. "I need to be able to pay my bills. I need help."

Mesloh joined other essential workers on a Zoom call Thursday to discuss their difficulties getting workers' compensation benefits.

The workers say they want lawmakers to pass legislation that establishes a workers' compensation presumption. This would place the burden on the employer and insurer to prove that the infection was not work-related.

This would also make it easier for those workers to file successful claims.

Essential workers say they are also upset that they are still having a hard time getting COVID-19 vaccines.