Sometimes, it just makes sense. Even in politics. Even in Albany.
Late last month, State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) introduced S.6838, legislation that would help to provide financial assistance to the spouse and/or dependents of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel killed in the line of duty. The idea for the ‘Familia bill,’ according to Peralta, stems from the assassination of NYPD Det. Miosotis Familia in the Bronx.
Sometimes, it just makes sense.
The bill would establish the Police Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Services Family Housing Fund, which will provide up to $1,000 per month to help offset rent or mortgage payments for eligible families. The legislation intends to award monthly payments – up to a maximum of 10 years – to survivors of fallen public protection members for their housing expenses.
The State would appropriate $10 million to the fund, and it would be administered by the Comptroller.
“First responders risk their lives on a daily basis to protect and assist us in case of an emergency. When tragedy strikes them, we must ensure we take care of the survivors of our fallen heroes by providing them with additional benefits,” Peralta said. “Under the ‘Familia Bill,’ family members of officers, firefighters and emergency medical services officers can breathe easily knowing that they will be able to take care of their housing financial obligations. The Police Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Services Family Housing Fund will supplement the forms of assistance already received by the family members of fallen heroes, including pension benefits and life insurance payments. It is a gap in benefits where family members end up turning, at times, to private and nonprofits organizations with no guarantees, potentially leaving victims’ loved ones with no safety net.”
Sometimes, it just makes sense.
Senate bill S.6838 made us think of the angelic work of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a New York City non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting first responders and military veterans. Tunnel to Towers has raised more than $3.2 million for families of fallen first responders. The group has organized the construction of 200 smart homes for catastrophically injured American service members. And Tunnel to Towers certainly stood tall in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
According to his family, hero Firefighter Stephen Siller lived his life by the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi and his inspirational words “while we have time, let us do good.”
Albany: Pass S.6838 as quickly as possible.
While we have time, let us do good.
Sometimes, it just makes sense.
