PHOTO: Sen. Witkos Speaks in Support of Firefighter Cancer Relief Bill

April 28, 2016

Witkos_Firefighter

Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) speaks in the Senate circle in support of legislation that would help Connecticut’s firefighters diagnosed with certain types of cancer related to their job.

The bill, House Bill 5262, creates a relief fund to provide lost-wage coverage for work-related cancers. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate on April 26 and now heads to the governor’s desk.

“This bill is about helping firefighters and making sure those who risk their lives to protect us have the support they need should their service result in harm to their health,” said Sen. Witkos. “This will give firefighters peace of mind, knowing that if they contract cancer and can’t work they will still be able to provide for their families. Those who fight interior fires go into situations most people run from. They put themselves at risk to protect each and every one of us. When they fall ill, we cannot turn our backs on them.”

The bill establishes a new cancer relief subcommittee of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association to award benefits to firefighters beginning July 1, 2019. This account will be funded by diverting one cent per month per phone line from the enhanced emergency 9-1-1-program.