The widows and children of State Troopers who passed away as a result of 9-11 related illnesses after the existing qualifying deadline of July 8, 2019 would be entitled to accidental death benefits, under terms of legislation sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo and Senator Joe Cryan that was approved by a Senate committee today.
The bill, S-3607, would extend the benefits to the families of all the members of the State Police Retirement System who suffered a health impairment as a result of their rescue, recovery or cleanup work at the site of the World Trade Center after the terror attack.
“There shouldn’t be an unfair deadline that denies benefits to the widows and children of State Troopers who responded to the worst terror attack in the Nation’s history,” said Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen). “Tragically, many of the resulting health problems caused by their work as emergency responders took years before they claimed their lives. Their service and sacrifice should be honored by allowing surviving families fair compensation.”
The bill expands on previously-enacted laws that recognized the health impairments suffered by 9-11 emergency responders but had a cutoff deadline of July 8, 2019.
“The men and women who answered the call to duty put their health and safety at risk in service to others,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “The 9-11 attack was one of the worst tragedies in history but it brought out the best in the heroic actions by emergency responders. Their legacy should be respected.”
The bill also requires the notification of SPRS surviving spouses and children of the changes made by the legislation.
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved the bill with a unanimous vote.
New Jersey lawmakers Senator Paul Sarlo and Senator Joseph Cryan have proposed a bill that aims to provide support for the families of 9-11 responders who have passed away due to illnesses related to their work at Ground Zero.
The bill, known as S-2487, would establish the “9/11 First Responders Family Protection Act,” which would provide financial assistance to the families of first responders who have died as a result of illnesses related to their work at the World Trade Center site following the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Many first responders who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the attacks have since developed serious health conditions, including respiratory illnesses and various forms of cancer, as a result of their exposure to toxic dust and debris at the site. Tragically, many of these brave men and women have passed away, leaving behind grieving families who are struggling to cope with the loss of their loved ones.
The proposed bill would provide financial assistance to these families to help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other costs associated with the loss of their loved ones. It would also ensure that these families receive the support and resources they need to navigate the complex process of applying for benefits and compensation through programs such as the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
Senator Sarlo and Senator Cryan have emphasized the importance of supporting the families of 9-11 responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. They believe that it is crucial to honor the memory of these heroes by ensuring that their families are taken care of and provided for in their time of need.
The proposed bill has received bipartisan support and is currently being considered by the New Jersey State Legislature. If passed, it would provide much-needed assistance to the families of 9-11 responders who have made tremendous sacrifices in the line of duty. It is a small but important step towards recognizing and honoring the bravery and dedication of these individuals who risked their lives to save others on that fateful day in September 2001.
