In honor of 9/11, Hochul signs legislation to support families of victims

Legislation bolsters pathway to public service for children and siblings of deceased NYC sanitation workers; revitalizes September 11th Worker Protection Task Force; expedites World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

On the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she signed legislation to expand access to resources and provide more opportunities for the families and loved ones of those who have been impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The package of bills will revive and strengthen the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force, bolster the pathway to public service for children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who lost their lives due to exposure and cleanup after Sept. 11, and expedite the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process to ensure survivors are eligible to obtain vital benefits.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks are events that we will never forget. We must continue to honor the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers, as well as their families who have been impacted by these horrific events,” Hochul said. “This legislation will give back to the families of 9/11 victims, ensuring they are supported by the state, and their loved ones are forever remembered.”

Hochul signed the following bills into law:

•Legislation A.2123-A/S.1165-A provides children and siblings of NYC sanitation workers who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries additional civil service exam points for a position located in the municipality where their deceased parent or sibling served.

•Legislation A.8417/S.8181 revitalizes the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force by requiring new appointments to the taskforce, setting a biannual meeting requirement, expanding areas of study, resetting the June deadline for the annual report, and extending the provisions of the act until June 10, 2030.

•Legislation S.4554-A/A.5458-A expedites the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process by allowing the NYC police pension fund to rely on a timely and properly filed notice of participation as requisite criteria for establish participation in rescue, recovery and cleanup operations at the World Trade Center, unless an employer proves otherwise. 

Police Conference of New York President Michael O’Meara said, “On this 24th anniversary of 9/11, we want to thank Gov. Hochul, Sen. Jackson, Sen. Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblywoman Pheffer-Amato for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of our community of first responders and their families who were forever affected by the horrific attacks on Sept. 11. They continue to support us, not only in their words, but in their actions. Thank you.”

New York State Public Employee Conference Chairman Peter D. Meringolo said, “On behalf of the 95 member units comprising the New York State Public Employee Conference, collectively representing more than 1 million active and retired public employees – many of whom participated in the rescue, recovery and aftermath of the 9/11 attack on our country – I thank Gov. Hochul for signing these important bills into law. Enactment of this legislation once again exhibits her true commitment to the working men and women who dedicate themselves to public service.”

New York City Sanitation Officers’ Association President Joseph Mannion said, “We are very pleased with the passage of New York State Senate Bill 1165-A/Assembly Bill 2123-A, which provides additional credits to children and siblings of New York city sanitation members who died in the performance of duty as the natural and proximate result of the World Trade Center attack on Sept. 11, 2001. On behalf of all NYC sanitation officers, our sincere thanks go out to Sen. Robert Jackson and Assemblyman Sam Berger for sponsoring this important legislation, and to Gov. Kathy Hochul for enacting it into law.”

Michael Giacalone, a sanitation worker and the son of Ignazio Giacalone, for whom the bill is named, said, “I’m beyond grateful for the signing of the Ignazio Giacalone Act. I want to thank the governor, the NYS Assembly and Senate, Local 831 and 444, and NYS Assemblyman Berger. A very big thank you to retired DSNY Supervisor Edward Panzarella. This bill would not be where it is today without his efforts. It is truly an honor to have this bill carry the name of my father.”