As the 2022 legislative session begins, I am always filled with a feeling of hope and pride because of the amazing work that the state legislature will do for the people of New York. As always, at the beginning of the legislative session we create, review and enact the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This is a time for us to provide needed funding to worthy causes and push for impactful legislation. As I have in years past, I proudly stand up and push legislation to help first responders impacted by the 9/11 attacks. 

We will never forget when the towers fell; and as we know, many 9/11 survivors developed illnesses as a result of the attacks. I wish I could report that all first responders have received their rightful benefits; but that is not the case. This inexcusable roadblock stops now. In the coming days I will be formally introducing a piece of legislation that will completely cover anyone who has received a certified World Trade Center Medical Condition with the absolute right to obtain full benefits, including a pension of three-quarters through NYCERS. Meaning, that those who rightfully deserve their compensation will receive it with no ifs ands or buts. When first responders ran into the burning towers and later searched Ground Zero for survivors, they weren’t thinking of themselves. Instead, they were thinking of the people trapped and hurt; exhibiting the true definition of being a hero. We owe them a continuous debt of gratitude, and it is vital that we continue to show them our support.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the Chief Medical Officer of the FDNY, Dr. David Prezant, who outlined some remarkable breakthroughs in cancer research. His work with 9/11 survivors, in conjunction with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Sloan Kettering, are working on state of the art detection of certain mutations that are linked to cancerous cells before they have developed into full-blown cancer. Meaning, the goal of this research is to eventually be able to detect blood cancers early in their evolution and early detection means lives saved.

This advancement in cancer research is vital for first responders who were at Ground Zero. In studies being done now, we are seeing mutations of precursors of myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma in firefighters. By continuing to develop these tests, individuals can be tested for indicators of these illnesses which will allow medical professionals to get ahead of the cancer and beat it. 

In the 2022 legislative session I will be taking a two-pronged approach to help first responders of the 9/11 attacks. By introducing my bill, those who have a certified World Trade Center Medical Condition will receive their rightfully earned benefits and pension. Also, through introducing this funding into the incoming budget the state legislature will ensure further research to improve the ability to test 9/11 first responders for these pre-cancer cells and eradicate the problem before it further develops. Through these acts, we will give the financial benefits first responders are entitled to, and work to further save the lives of our heroes who risked everything. In the long term this treatment can become accessible to the general public; but we must get this research funded. Now is the time to do it! 

As I go forward, I will continue to keep you all apprised of the developments and work being done. Together, New York has the chance to save lives, show its appreciation to the heroes who protected and helped us, and show what it means to be New York Tough. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at 718-945-9550 or by email at amatos@nyassembly.gov. It is a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to representing you for many more years to come.