A new State law, sponsored by Assembly member Yuh-Line Niou, which extends health benefit for first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo last Friday.
Ms. Niou said, “the attacks left a profound scar on Lower Manhattan and all of New York. We remain forever grateful to our first responders and united as a City. And while this community’s resilience has helped rebuild and overcome one of the greatest tragedies in American history, many who helped us recover — first responders and rescue workers — continue battling life-threatening diseases caused by exposure to the toxic dust and fumes at Ground Zero.”
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State Assembly member Yuh-Line Niou: “This legislation will give rescue, recovery, and clean-up workers the opportunity to receive the benefits they deserve.”
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The bill pushes back the deadline by which first responders must file for benefits to September 11, 2022, from its original cutoff date of yesterday (Tuesday). It also allows those who filed between 2015 and 2017, but were denied benefits, to appeal this decision.
“Many of these workers have experienced terrible health problems as a result of this service, and indeed many have died, while others have only recently begun to experience illnesses,” added State Senator Brian Kavanagh, who supported the bill in his house of the State legislature.
Manhattan Borough president Gale Brewernoted that, “after the September 11 attacks, an extraordinary number of people selflessly gave their all to rescue survivors, recover remains, and clear the wreckage of the fallen towers in trying and hazardous conditions. Whenever these individuals suffer illness or disability as a result of their sacrifice in the aftermath of September 11, it’s our solemn duty to step up and support them.”
City Council member Margaret Chin observed, “no matter how much time has passed since September 11, we must never fail in our obligation to support those who risked their lives to save others and help Lower Manhattan rebuild. As we continue to experience the benefits of a resurgent Downtown, we must never forget the sacrifice of these heroes, who — along with residents and workers — till suffer from 9/11 related illnesses and trauma.”
Community Board 1 (CB1) chair Anthony Notaro said, “CB1 applauds the passage of this important legislation to support those who gave so selflessly. Everyone should celebrate this victory.”
Kimberly Flynn, director of 9/11 Environmental Action added, “September 11 was an unprecedented disaster, blanketing Lower Manhattan with a witches’ brew of dangerous toxins. Responders, including the cleanup workers exposed to toxins as they cleaned many of Downtown’s high rises, continue to be at risk for developing a disease. Although more than 10,000 people have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers, the wave is unfortunately only beginning.”
Catherine McVay Hughes, a longtime Lower Manhattan resident and community leader, who has also become a zealous advocate for healthcare related to September 11, said, “the passage of this law is crucial, especially because some of these diseases have a longer latency period that may not have presented signs until later in time. Many brave folks who responded in the time of need for our country and sacrificed their health will now be able to receive the benefits they deserve.”