S6832

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Webb that extends workers' compensation eligibility to National Guard members injured during World Trade Center rescue, recovery and cleanup operations following the September 11 attacks. The bill, S6832, passed on a roll call vote of 57-0. Sen. Webb explained that the measure corrects a systemic failure to recognize the sacrifice of brave service members who worked through smoke, debris and toxic dust in the aftermath of 9/11. Many of these individuals have spent years fighting both illness and a system that failed to fully acknowledge their contributions, Webb said. The legislation officially recognizes these National Guard members as employees under the Workers' Compensation Law, granting them the right to claim injuries or illnesses sustained during their participation in the WTC operations. Webb urged her colleagues to support the measure, noting that first responders, volunteers and National Guard members put their own lives and health on the line without hesitation in the days and months following the attacks.