Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a bill that would make individuals in the National Guard, who responded to 9/11, veterans.
Hochul’s goal is to expand access to benefits for responders that worked tirelessly during and after the attacks and are still suffering health issues today.
In order for National Guard members to qualify, they must have been called to duty for the attacks but not have been on active federal duty.
There are other bills that would benefit those who helped the day of the attacks.
One bill expands on what criteria someone needs to meet to be considered a first responder on the day of the attacks.
A second bill would make applying for first responder benefits more accessible.
A third bill would expand the definition of a first responder to include communication workers.
Hochul expressed that many people are burdened by their services on 9/11 and she wants to make it easier for them to get what they deserve.
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