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STATES ISLAND, NY – New York State Assemblymen Nader Sayegh (D-Yonkers) and J.J. Gary Pritlow (D-MT Vernon/Yonkers) has introduced legislation that would certify all workers and civilians eligible for the World Trade Center (WTC). ) victims are provided with health coverage information and may receive it.
Twenty years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, some of the construction workers involved in the WTC cleanup and those who lived and/or worked in the area are still developing and battling health problems from their exposure. When the twin buildings collapsed, toxins were released.
However, only 10% of civilians eligible for coverage are estimated to be enrolled in the WTC health program, according to a press release accompanying Sayegh and Pritlow’s press conference last week.
of “9/11 Disclosure Act.” It looks for businesses with 50 or more employees that were in business between September 2001 and May 2002. Lower Manhattan exposure zoneTo notify current and former employees of their enrollment in the WTC Health Program.
“Not all of our 9/11 heroes are in uniform. “They are the heroes who returned to work south of Canal Street and got New York’s economy moving again, and they breathe the same toxic air as our first responders,” said Sayegh.
“The new law is designed to reach up to 400,000 missing 9/11 victims to let them know they have a lifeline and don’t have to drown in debt while getting lifesaving treatment on the road to recovery,” the chairman added.
The WTC health program has been reauthorized for 75 years, ending in 2090 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act in 2019.
The scheme fully covers expenses related to hospitalizations, treatments and medicines, easing the financial burden on survivors of conditions such as cancer.
“I’ll never forget the smell of burning metal and the cloud of lime dust that flooded lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks on 9/11,” Pritlow said. “Two decades later, the pungent smell and powdery dust have disappeared; however, the effects of toxic substances remain, killing more than 4,600 people since 9/11 – more than died on that fateful day.”
“Most people who returned to work or school in the area were exposed to serious health problems, but data shows that hundreds of thousands are unaware of the long-term risks of 9/11 toxins.” “This new law represents a moral imperative to help forgotten 9/11 victims 20 years later to find those at risk and access life’s health resources,” Pritlow added.
State Senator Brian D. Kavanagh (D-Lower Manhattan/West Brooklyn) announced at a press conference that he will be the lead sponsor. 9/11 Notification Act in State Senate.
Kavanagh emphasized the importance of the bill and awareness for survivors who do not receive the health coverage they deserve.
“If the money is there people will not help. [unaware] You can register. “Here is an opportunity for them to be monitored and get the health care they need,” the senator said.
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee in the state Senate on Friday.
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