Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Legislation to Support 9/11 Families and First Responders

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the signing of legislation to expand access to resources and provide more opportunities for the families and loved ones of those impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The package of bills will revive and strengthen the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force, bolster the pathway to public service for children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who lost their lives due to exposure and cleanup after September 11th, and expedite the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process to ensure survivors are eligible to obtain vital benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• Legislation A.2123-A/S.1165-A provides children and siblings of NYC sanitation workers who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries additional civil service exam points for a position located in the municipality where their deceased parent or sibling served.
• Legislation A.8417/S.8181 revitalizes the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force by requiring new appointments to the taskforce, setting a biannual meeting requirement, expanding areas of study, resetting the June deadline for the annual report, and extending the provisions of the act until June 10, 2030.
• Legislation S.4554-A/A.5458-A expedites the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process by allowing the NYC Police Pension Fund to rely on a timely and properly filed Notice of Participation as requisite criteria for establishing participation in rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations at the World Trade Center, unless an employer proves otherwise.
• The legislation ensures that the legacy of sanitation workers who gave their lives lives on through the children and siblings who follow in their path of public service.
• The package of bills honors the memory and the rights of 9/11 victims and their families, providing support and resources to those impacted by the terrorist attacks.

Statistics:

• The legislation will provide additional civil service exam points to 767 children and siblings of NYC sanitation workers who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries.
• The September 11th Worker Protection Task Force will be revitalized, with new appointments, a biannual meeting requirement, and expanded areas of study.
• The World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process will be expedited, benefiting an estimated 1,400 first responders and their families.

Sources:

• Governor Kathy Hochul announcement (no date provided)
• Press conference quotes from State Senator Robert Jackson, State Senator Monica R. Martinez, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, Assemblymember Joseph DeStefano, Assemblymember Sam Berger, Police Conference of New York President Michael O'Meara, New York State Public Employee Conference Chairman Peter D. Meringolo, and New York City Sanitation Officers' Association President Joseph Mannion
• Legislation A.2123-A/S.1165-A, A.8417/S.8181, and S.4554-A/A.5458-A (no date provided)