Last weekend the annual Tunnels to Towers Run occurred which honors FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller and all those lost on 9/11 by retracing his final footsteps. The race and foundation do incredible work through their mission of providing mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and injured service members. Yet what was always interesting to me was that this amazing run often takes place after September 11th. It occurs after many have grieved on that solemn day, after we’ve attended memorial services to honor those we lost and pay tribute to the heroes who saved countless lives. But just like the Tunnels to Towers Run, honoring the memory of those impacted by 9/11 isn’t done in just one day - it’s a process that goes on all year long.

The events of that day are ingrained in our memories. How many of us vividly recall that morning? So many of us watched in horror not just on television but out our windows as we could see the smoke rising from our homes on the Peninsula. It’s those haunting memories, and the impact that horrendous event had on our life, that drives me to work to make sure our survivors and the families of victims are protected 365 days a year. That work paid off as I was informed that two (2) of my bills, impactful pieces of legislation related to 9/11, were signed into law by the Governor. The bills include: A.5458 which makes long-sought-after changes to the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process, and A.8417 which revitalizes the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force. I worked on these bills for months - and through intense meetings, rigorous negotiations, and heated debates, I successfully fought to get the best outcome. These bills matter because they are a promise from the State of New York to honor the heroes of that day, and in the aftermath - as well as the families who have been impacted by the terrorist attack.

A.5458 is considered a game-changer for first responders applying for benefits as it will finally allow alternative forms of proof to be used to verify participation in the World Trade Center recovery and cleanup. It’s hard to believe but some first responders were being denied benefits just because they didn’t have the formal paperwork to corroborate that they were at Ground Zero. The law mandated that when applying for World Trade Center disability or death benefits, first responders like police officers, would need to prove they were officially stationed at the site. However, not everyone kept copies of employment records (especially from over 2 decades ago). For those applying but didn’t have this specific record, the system was forced to deny their request – meaning we were denying heroes and their families the help they deserved. To make matters worse, the warehouse where copies of records were kept for some of our first responders was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. This situation was inconceivable, and I said enough is enough! By passing A.5458, and it being signed into law, I’m so honored to be able to say that the system has changed for the better. Through this legislative fix, first responders applying for World Trade Center benefits will have an automatic rebuttable presumption - with New York taking the firm stand that we believe the heroes who rescued people that day and support those who helped in the aftermath. And in the event that additional proof is needed, affidavits from colleagues, photographs, or other alternative forms of proof will be accepted. I thank my partners from the Police Conference of New York and the NYPD Captains Endowment Association for bringing this injustice to my attention and working with me to get a solution.

The other bill, A.8417, revitalizes and adjusts the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force. For years this Task Force has been a driving force in studying various issues for 9/11 survivors that range from: the health impacts of exposure to the chemicals and toxins from Ground Zero, to establishing regulations for accidental disability retirement benefits. That work must continue! I’m happy to report that through the enactment of this law, the Task Force will be able to continue its work with new appointments and expanding its areas of study. It was through this Task Force that line of duty sick leave was discussed - and that allowed me to write and pass A.7819 (2019) which ensured that public employees involved in the rescue and cleanup of the World Trade Center would have unlimited line of duty sick leave for any 9/11 related illnesses. Yet, there is still more to do. That work continues through this Task Force which now has the full legal authority and ability to help.

We will never forget.

As always, should you have any questions or need anything please 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.