The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 were a defining moment in the history of New York State and the entire country. The tremendous loss caused by this unspeakable act was most acutely felt by the many citizens of our great state, many of who suffered great personal loss in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Here in Rockaway we lost our husbands and wives, our parents, our sisters and brothers, our friends, and our neighbors. Those who risked their lives without hesitation running into those burning buildings and those who served by returning in the aftermath to save the lives of others, exposed themselves to dangerous chemicals and toxins that have lasting effects. Effects that now, 17 years later, are killing many of our brave first responders, some of whom are not covered by unlimited sick leave.

As the system stands today many first responders who helped on 9/11 and in the weeks and months that followed have access to unlimited sick leave. However, New York City EMTs and some other New York City employees, who served in the recovery efforts still do not have access to unlimited sick leave.

This past legislative session I introduced a bill, A.10498, which would expand coverage to give all of our brave and selfless first responders the access to unlimited sick leave that they not only are entitled to but deserve. Specifically this bill would expand current law to allow every public officer or employee, in their official capacity engaged in the World Trade Center rescue, recovery or cleanup activities, who received approval of their notice of participation eligibility to receive line of duty sick leave if they become ill with a qualifying World Trade Center condition. This expansion acknowledges that every public employee who put their life on the line to help in our time of crisis should receive equivalent benefits.

There has been enormous support from my colleagues, notably from Governor Cuomo, about which he stated: “Today, the vast majority of New York public sector employees who served at Ground Zero that day and in the weeks and months that followed have access to unlimited sick leave. But some New Yorkers have been left out in the cold. New York City EMTs and some other New York City employees, who served in the recovery efforts and deserve the same honor and respect, still do not have access to unlimited sick leave. It is hard to believe that any of the brave responders could be neglected when it comes to securing the basic health benefits they need, 17 years after that tragic day. But it’s true.” However my work is not complete as the bill is still pending in the Assembly.

We need to remember that there are still 9/11 heroes who are struggling with the onset and treatment of World Trade Center conditions while trying to retain employment. This legislation seeks to ensure that these heroes, who are still able to work, keep their jobs while they undergo treatments and attend doctors’ appointments. As New Yorkers we need to stand behind all of our first responders!