Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor
Gov. Cuomo signed the new law on Monday in Manhattan.
By Forum Staff
Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday signed legislation to expand unlimited sick-leave benefits for public-sector officers and employees who developed a qualifying health condition as a result of their heroic response to Sept. 11 rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites.
Under the new law, individuals would be eligible for unlimited paid leave at 100 percent of their regular salary dating back to the time of their diagnosis.
Individuals would qualify for the benefit if they:
Currently work for a municipality, public authority or state employer outside of the five boroughs;
Have filed a notice of participation in the World Trade Center clean-up and recovery efforts; and
Have a qualifying World Trade Center health condition as defined by statute.
“On Sept. 11, 2001, the best of humanity and the worst of humanity were displayed – the worst of us flew airplanes into the Twin Towers, while the best of us rushed inside to help their brothers and sisters without a second thought,” Cuomo said. “It is critical that we honor these courageous efforts and by signing this bill into law today, we make it clear that New York stands behind the first responders in their time of need just as they stood with New York on that tragic day 16 years ago. Our message is simple: We will always have your back.”
According to Cuomo, similar paid leave benefits are currently available for the City Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Correction and Sanitation for injuries and illnesses obtained in the line of duty.
“That day now only saw unimaginable devastation, but also unprecedented kindness. First responders from near and far rushed to the aid of the thousands of victims of the World Trade Center attacks to help and now today, they need our help,” said Lou Matarazzo, chairman of Governor Cuomo’s 9/11 Workers Protection Task Force. “This new law gives these heroes much needed support and is a small token of our appreciation of the risks they took that day to help people in need – I thank Gov. Cuomo for his commitment to these men and women.”
