News from
Senator Stachowski
For Immediate Release:
February 9, 2007  


NEW LAW PROVIDES BENEFITS FOR 9/11 RESPONDERS
 
Registration Ends August 14th

When disaster struck lower Manhattan on September 11, thousands of individuals from across the United States rushed to help in the recovery, rescue and cleanup of the World Trade Center ruins. In fact, hundreds of Western New Yorkers made the trip to the other end of the state to volunteer their expertise, equipment and sweat equity to the effort.

If you were one of these people, or know somebody who went to New York City to help, it is important that you register by August 14, 2007, with the NYS Workers' Compensation Board. By registering, you will preserve your right to file a workers' compensation claim, in the event you get sick in the future.
NYS Senator Bill Stachowski reports that the State Legislature enacted legislation extending the deadline for filing a claim. "If workers and volunteers register before that date, they will be allowed to file a claim in the future in case they become ill" he explained. "Right now, only 5,000 people have registered. Tens of thousands of 9/11 heroes -- who may be eligible for benefits -- will slip through the system, if they miss the registration deadline."

Stachowski noted that "without a second thought, thousands of people rushed to help after the terrorist attacks. Many others worked at the site in the year after, and now five years later, many of these responders are becoming sick and tragically, some are dying." "Under our former New York's Workers' Comp laws" he said, "most workers would have been barred from filing a claim two years after an injury. That's why it was vital for the State legislature to extend the filing deadline."

Workers and volunteers, who engaged in rescue, recovery and cleanup work, should register now. People who were exposed to the toxic dust or psychological trauma, should protect their right to file a claim. Information on this important program and the forms necessary to file a claim are available at www.nycosh.org. In addition you can call a hotline (1-800-WTC-2556) to find out about the new law and eligibility requirements.
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For Information:

Dennis Kozuch 826-3344
senstachowski@yahoo.com