New York, NY – Today, State Senator Jose Peralta and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz discussed their legislation that would provide financial assistance to the spouse and/or dependents of police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel killed in the line of duty. Both legislators pointed out that the idea for the ‘Familia bill’ stems from the brutal killing in July of police officer Miosotis Familia.

The bill S.6838/A.8670 will establish the Police Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Services Family Housing Fund, which will provide up to $1,000 per month to help offset rent or mortgage payments for eligible families. The legislation intends to award monthly payments – up to a maximum of 10 years-- to survivors of fallen public protection members for their housing expenses.

Under the proposal, New York State will appropriate $10 Million to the Police Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Services Family Housing Fund. The state’s comptroller will manage the fund.

“First responders risk their lives every day to protect and assist us in case of an emergency. This week, as we marked the devastating events of 9/11 and paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it is vital that first responders know that their families will be taken care of if anything would happen to them. When tragedy strikes them, we must ensure we provide for the survivors of our fallen heroes, and this bill will help them face their financial housing obligations,” Senator Peralta said. “The Police Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Services Family Housing Fund will supplement the forms of assistance already received by the family members of fallen heroes, including pension benefits and life insurance payments. It is a gap in benefits where family members end up turning, at times, to private and nonprofits organizations with no guarantees, potentially leaving victims’ loved ones with no safety net.”

“This bill will ensure that our police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel will have their families provided for if they are killed in the line of duty. They already risk their lives and their well-being to protect us, they shouldn’t need to risk the well-being of their families if they are killed while serving the people of New York,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. “The Police Officer, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services Family Housing fund will assist survivors of fallen public protection members in paying rent and mortgage payments for up to 10 years. I urge the Legislature to adopt this bill into law, and demonstrate support for those who risk the most to protect and serve us.”