Last week, I happily championed a bi-partisan proposal which provides wage replacement benefits to current and former firefighters who are diagnosed with certain cancers as a result of performing their jobs.
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Under House Bill 5262, existing resources will be diverted from the current e911 fee on phone bills to a new account, Firefighters Cancer Relief Account, to cover the cost for firefighters battling cancer. The Connecticut State Firefighters Association through a new subcommittee, Cancer Relief Subcommittee, will manage the account funds.
According to the legislation, the account funds are to be used solely for the purposes of providing wage replacement benefits to eligible firefighter cancer victims and to pay administrative costs. The benefits do not begin until July 1st 2019, permitting the account sufficient time to accumulate funds and the benefits can only continue for up to 2 years and payments are limited to what is actually in the fund.
Firefighters Cancer Relief Program would be available to the uniformed members of paid municipal, state, or volunteer fire department, local fire marshal, deputy fire marshals, fire investigators and fire inspectors.
The Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, under the new law, would provide the wage replacement benefits, for eligible firefighter cancer victims.
I have talked to many firefighters in Orange, Milford and West Haven and this coverage is a very important issue to them. Our firefighters are exposed to many dangerous toxins throughout their fire career and we have a moral obligation to make sure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Over the years, previous proposals for similar legislation failed to pass through the General Assembly due to the cost placed on municipalities.
This year, legislators were able to agree to eliminate the municipal mandate tagged on prior legislation.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a report which found firefighters were more likely to develop cancers of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems and were two times as likely to develop mesothelioma.
Firefighters will be able to receive funds starting July 1st, 2019, and those eligible can obtain benefits for up to two years. In addition, account funds will be used solely for the purpose of providing wage replacement benefits to eligible firefighter cancer victims and to pay administrative costs.
As always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I can always be reached at any time at: Charles.Ferraro@housegop.ct.gov or call 1.800.842.1423.