Golden: Governor Signs Legislation to Help Those Who Helped New York City in Wake of September 11th Attacks

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today is announcing that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed into law legislation that extends the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force Act for another five years. This extension will allow the Task Force to continue helping those who have been afflicted with a disability as a result of working at the World Trade Center and other sites.

“I am proud to announce that working with my colleague, Assemblyman Peter Abbate, the New York State Legislature has rightly extended the opportunity for our state to care for those who responded in the wake of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. The Task Force has played a critical role in helping many of those who were exposed to hazards at Ground Zero. Now, it will continue to operate and we can make sure that we assist all in need appropriately,” said Senator Marty Golden.

Senator Marty Golden, a former New York City Police Officer, was the sponsor of S. 4711, and Assemblyman Peter Abbate (D-Brooklyn) was the sponsor of A.6962.

Many public employees, including police, fire, correction, sanitation and civilians provided rescue, recovery and cleanup at the former World Trade Center site and other designated locations. Statistics indicate that these workers were exposed to numerous hazards which may have, and may continue to, impact their health in the future.

If any public employee was exposed to these hazards and can no longer perform their jobs, even after retirement, this law allows for an additional five years for the employee to apply for an accidental disability retirement. The application would be subject to the respective Retirement System review process by proving, by competent evidence, that the illness or injury was caused in connection with exposure to any elements at the World Trade Center site.

In continuing the Task Force for another five years, this law also allows for the Task Force’s successful work in identifying additional issues that have arisen from the rescue, recovery, and cleanup of the former World Trade Center site.