The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a range of structural economic and public health inequities. On the one hand, the lowest-paid workers– higher shares of whom are women and people of color– are generally at the highest risk of becoming infected, unemployed, and uninsured. On the other hand, many middle- class workers have kept the economy functioning. By bringing new recognition to the value of and challenges faced by both essential and face-to-face workers, the state’s response to COVID-19 may also offer a policy roadmap that can enable Illinois to create a post-pandemic future that protects workers’ rights and rebuilds the middle class.