Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a set of bills aimed at expanding support for families and loved ones affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The legislation, announced on the anniversary of the attacks, is intended to improve access to resources and benefits for those impacted.
The new laws include measures to revive and strengthen the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force, provide additional civil service exam points for children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who died from 9/11-related illnesses or injuries, and expedite disability and death benefit applications related to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations.
“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,” Governor 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.”
Among the newly signed bills:
– Legislation A.2123-A/S.1165-A grants extra civil service exam points for children and siblings of deceased NYC sanitation workers due to 9/11-related causes.
– Legislation A.8417/S.8181 revitalizes the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force with new appointments, biannual meetings, expanded study areas, an updated annual report deadline in June, and extends its provisions until June 10, 2030.
– Legislation S.4554-A/A.5458-A allows the NYC Police Pension Fund to use a timely Notice of Participation as proof of involvement in World Trade Center operations unless proven otherwise by an employer.
State Senator Robert Jackson stated: “September 11th forever reshaped our city — but it also revealed the courage and sacrifice of those who stood up when it mattered most. Among this legislative package are two bills I am proud to sponsor: the Ignazio Giacalone Act, which ensures that the legacy of sanitation workers who gave their lives lives on through the children and siblings who follow in their path of public service; and the revitalization of the 9/11 Workers Protection Task Force, which guarantees that the health, benefits, and dignity of those who answered the call will never be overlooked or forgotten. Alongside the other measures in this package, these bills turn remembrance into responsibility, and grief into justice. I thank Governor Hochul for signing them into law and standing with us to uplift the memory and the rights of 9/11 victims and their families.”
State Senator Monica R. Martinez added: “For responders of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the pain of that day has never faded, nor have the physical and emotional burdens they’ve carried in the years since. Deputy Sheriff Richard Stueber served with honor at Ground Zero, but the toll of that commitment was the loss of his life and a financial hardship left to his family. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation to provide Stacie Stueber with the benefits her husband earned through his service and sacrifice.”
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton commented: “Every year on this day, New York feels the weight of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, but no one more so than the brave first responders who returned to Ground Zero day after day, putting their health on the line for our city. For them, 9/11 is something they grapple with every day, not just through memory, but through the countless health complications that have arisen for them since. The least we can do is make sure they receive the benefits they earned through their dedicated service, which is why I introduced this legislation to cut through all existing red tape. Securing these benefits has been an uphill battle for too many 9/11 first responders… Now every officer who risked everything… can access benefits they deserve.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato said: “I applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership by signing these bills into law… It’s clear that when New York says we’ll never forget — we mean it… May memories… be a blessing… God bless those who saved lives that day…”
Assemblymember Joseph DeStefano remarked: “Today’s bill signing is about justice… keeping faith with those who answered after 9/11… This law ensures his family will finally receive benefits he earned… This legislation is a promise kept — that New York will not forget its 9/11 heroes.”
Assemblymember Sam Berger stated: “As youngest member… my generation’s duty [is] sacrifices …never forgotten…. This bill honors legacy …sanitation workers like Ignazio…. Thank you Governor Hochul for recognizing those brave New York sanitation workers….”
Police Conference President Michael O’Meara expressed gratitude: “On this … Anniversary … thank Governor Hochul …for leadership …on behalf …first responders…. They continue support us …in actions….”
New York State Public Employee Conference Chairman Peter D. Meringolo said: “On behalf …more than one million active & retired public employees,… many participated in rescue,… aftermath…, I thank Governor Hochul …. Enactment exhibits her true commitment….”
NYC Sanitation Officers’ Association President Joseph Mannion stated: “…passage …provides additional credits…children & siblings…who died…as result…World Trade Center attack…. sincere thanks go out …to Senator Robert Jackson…and Assemblyman Sam Berger…to Governor Kathy Hochul…”
Michael Giacalone commented: “…grateful …signing ‘Ignazio Giacalone Act.’ …thank…the Governor,…NYS Assembly & Senate,…Local unions,…Assemblyman Berger.…Retired DSNY Supervisor Edward Panzarella.…honor…bill carry name my father.”
