Expand 9/11 Disability Coverage Under Bill Signed by Governor

By ARI PAUL

A bill extending disability benefits to more 9/11 first-responders and recovery workers has become law, Governor Paterson announced June 20, enacting a recommendation of the bi-partisan September 11th Worker Protection Task force.

CAROLYN MALONEY: Cites 'moral imperative.'

"In the weeks that followed the attack on the World Trade Center, it became clear to me that there would be grave health consequences for the men and women who risked their lives by responding to the attack," the Governor said in a statement. "The original legislation addressing this problem was well-intentioned but fell short in covering all first responders. With this agreement, we will fulfill our duty to additional groups of public workers involved in the rescue, recovery and cleanup after 9/11 by giving them the same benefits the prior law extended to other 9/11 workers employed by the state and New York City."

Who's Covered

State and city correction officers and Deputy Sheriffs sickened or injured due to their work at Ground Zero will be able to apply for benefits, in addition to other responders including 911 Dispatchers. The bill also extends the deadlines for applying for Workers' Compensation and other coverage.

"It is a moral imperative for our government to take care of Americans who risk their lives and health to save others in the aftermath of a terrorist attack," Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement. "The contrast between the state and Federal responses to this health crisis could not be starker: New York is finding new ways to help the heroes of 9/11, while the Bush Administration is still trying to shirk this responsibility."