In our current age of political gridlock, many common-sense issues are passed over at the wayside. One would think that quick consensus could be reached about the health and well-being of 9/11 First Responders. Yet, still the reauthorization of the Victim Compensation Fund was stonewalled this summer. Republican Senator Rand Paul filibustered the Senate even after Luis Alvarez, an NYPD detective, died in June – one of more than 2,000 first-responders at Ground Zero that have died of an illness related to the attack.
Luis had joined thousands of union first-responders in pressuring Congress to back up their claim to “never forget” our heroes. Thanks to their efforts, the permanent financing of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was passed on July 29th. Many Local 79 members volunteered and worked to rebuild our city after this national disaster. If you believe that you have a 9/11-related condition, you can receive a WTC Health Program Disability Evaluation after filing a claim, which can be filed online at vcf.gov/register or you can request a hard copy by calling 855-885-1555.
Pictured above are three of the Local 79 Organizers & Retirees that went to Washington D.C. to fight for funding of the 9-11 Victim Compensation Fund.
