Federal Government Plans to Rescind $125 Million in Aid for 9/11 Rescue Workers

Funding to help rescue workers from the 9/11 attacks remains crucial as many face long-term health problems and emotional trauma. Despite only $50 million of the $175 million allocated in 2001 being spent, the Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 proposes rescinding the remaining $125 million. However, lawmakers are urging the White House to reconsider, arguing that many rescue workers are still in need of compensation for lost wages and health issues.

Key Takeaways:

• The federal government plans to rescind $125 million in aid allocated for 9/11 rescue workers, citing that the state's needs were not as large as initially feared.
• A Congressional report found that of the $25 million earmarked for volunteer workers, only $456,000 was doled out, with the state refusing to disclose how many claims were denied.
• The New York State Workers' Compensation Board spent $44 million to reimburse state agencies for payments to the families of 9/11 victims and $4.4 million to upgrade its computer system.
• More than 10,182 people have filed workers' compensation claims, but the state has not provided information on how many have been denied.
• Rescue workers who filed claims years ago are facing significant hurdles, with the Injured Workers Pharmacy indicating that 9/11 workers are 10 times more likely to have their claims disputed.
• Many rescue workers are struggling to access medical care and compensation, with some being forced to abandon their claims due to the complexity and length of the process.

Statistics:

• $175 million was allocated by the federal government for the state's workers' compensation program, with $50 million being spent so far.
• $25 million was earmarked for volunteer workers, with only $456,000 being doled out.
• $44 million was spent to reimburse state agencies for payments to the families of 9/11 victims.
• $4.4 million was spent to upgrade the New York State Workers' Compensation Board's computer system.
• 10,182 people have filed workers' compensation claims.
• Rescue workers are 10 times more likely to have their claims disputed than other workers.

Sources:

• A Congressional report found that the state was sitting on much of the allocated funds, with $6 million being spent in 2004.
• Senator Charles E. Schumer spoke at a news conference on Church Street near ground zero, calling on the White House to reconsider the proposal.
• Representative Carolyn B. Maloney drafted a letter to the White House, with more than 20 New York lawmakers demanding that the administration hold off on pulling the money.
• A document provided by Representative Maloney's office shows that many rescue workers are facing serious hurdles in their claims.
• The Injured Workers Pharmacy, a company that provides medicine to people who were injured on the job while their compensation claims are being processed, has stopped accepting clients who are 9/11 workers due to the high rate of disputes.
• Dr. Stephen Levin, who has been treating rescue workers at Mount Sinai, stated that his patients are facing "horrible runarounds" in accessing medical care.