$1 Million to First Responders Fund

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a $1 million General Fund move to the First Responders Presumed Coverage Fund on Wednesday. Created back in 2014, the First Responders Presumed Coverage Fund helps firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers contracted on the job to pay for their medical bills.

More than 150 firefighters gathered around the capitol and in the Senate gallery to urge the Legislature to provide money to the fund. Among them was Representative Henry Yanez (D-Sterling Heights), a former firefighter. Under the current law, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs distributes the relief only after the Legislature funds it. Senator Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell), chair of the committee, promised in caucus to take up an appropriations bill to finally get the fund active and fulfilled the promise on Wednesday. Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) introduced the amendment to SB 802 that provided funding.

SB 802 allocates $1 million for the current year and provides $3 million for next year. Any additional funds unused at the completion of the year will roll over to the following year. The Senate is unsure if this is an appropriate amount as so far nine firefighters have publicly come forward with diagnoses, but Senator Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing) commented he is confident the Legislature will continue to step up. The bill heads to the full Senate for consideration.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, March 18, 2016 2:06 PM
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