Give DC 37 Credit

To the Editor:

Just for the record, District Council 37 under Lillian Roberts's leadership lobbied long and hard for the medical aid for rescue and recovery workers approved by Governor Pataki on Aug. 14.

We commend Governor Pataki for his approval of medical aid for the heroes of Ground Zero, many of whom are DC 37 members whose health has been directly affected by their work on and after 9/11. That is why this union lobbied for over two years to extend the Workers' Compensation filing deadline for these heroic workers with legislation approved by the Governor.

DC 37 also originated the idea that the $50 million in Federal monies be put into a "medical trust fund" to cover 9/11-related medical costs. We applaud the Governor for creating such a fund by executive order. DC 37 has a long and impressive history of fighting for health and safety issues for our members. Credit should be given to powerful unions like ours that were behind this and other legislation and executive orders signed by the Governor showing that the dedication and sacrifice of our 9/11 heroes have not been forgotten.

We will never forget them, nor will we ever stop fighting for their welfare.

LEE CLARKE, Director of Health and Safety, District Council 37