Rep. Harding Votes 'Yes' to Expand Coverage for Firefighters with Cancer

From the Connecticut General Assembly:

On the first night of the 2016 session that marched on past the stroke of midnight, the House of Representatives approved a bill to expand wage replacement benefits to current and former firefighters suffering from cancer contracted directly from their job. State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107) was a cosponsor of this important measure that passed without a single opposing vote.

If this bill, H.B. 5262, becomes law, a new firefighters cancer relief account, run by the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, will be created and funded by a small portion of e911 phone bill fees already being charged.

In previous years, similar proposals failed to pass through the General Assembly because funds would be absorbed from municipalities. This year, lawmakers were able to create a plan which eliminated the creation of another municipal mandate.

Beginning on July 1, 2019, volunteer firefighters and fire marshals, investigators and inspectors who have been working and in compliance with OSHA requirements for at least five years and have not used tobacco for 15 years will be eligible for up to two years of these benefits if they can show via medical screenings that they contracted cancer as a direct result of their professional environment. Individuals who leave service and continue to receive annual physicals will remain eligible for five years after leaving.

“According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters are at a pronounced risk for developing cancers of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems; or, even more likely: mesothelioma,” said Rep. Harding. “These brave men and women already risk their lives by running into burning buildings, and their risk is even further elevated due to the long term health complications related to their service. This is a great effort to ensure that they are deservingly taken care of.”

The bill is now being sent to the Senate, where it will await further action. The legislative session adjourns at midnight on May 4.