New York Governor Kathy Hochul may sign the 9/11 Notice Act on Monday. This significant legislative step could provide assistance to thousands of workers who were exposed to life-threatening toxins during the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.
Introduced by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh (D-Yonkers) and Senator Bria Kavanagh (D-Manhattan), that act passed by the state Legislature in June. It reached Governor Hochul’s desk last Thursday.
This legislation sets mandates on businesses with 50 or more employees operating in lower Manhattan and northern Brooklyn between September 2001 and the end of May 2002. These employers must notify their former employees about the potential eligibility for federal benefits and health monitoring services. This applies to individuals who were in close proximity to Ground Zero during the critical period following the attacks.
Approximately 400,000 civilians suffered exposure to the toxic substances released by the 9/11 attacks. Despite the existence of federal programs like the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program, only a small percentage of eligible individuals with qualifying medical conditions have taken advantage of these benefits.
The 9/11 Notice Act hopes to bridge this gap. It ensures that affected individuals receive information about their eligibility for federal support and health monitoring services. By mandating businesses to notify their former employees, people may get the help they need. Because, in many cases they would otherwise been unaware of available assistance.
Governor Hochul’s office has not officially confirmed her plans for the legislation signing. But, it is reported that she will attend the annual ceremonies at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Monday. So, the bill’s signing, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, would address the health and well-being of those who worked near Ground Zero during the aftermath.
UPDATE:
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the 9/11 Notice Act.
