9/11 Advocates Ask Presidential Candidates to Permanently Renew Zadroga
Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, remains dedicated to supporting the permanent renewal of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The Act, which was signed into law in 2010, enacted the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). These programs' benefits will begin to expire in phases starting this October, unless Congress takes action. According to a release issued by Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, 9/11 advocates are calling on all major presidential candidates to announce their position on the renewal and extension of federal aid for ailing responders and survivors.
Richard Alles, Deputy Chief of the New York City Fire Department and Board Member of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, said, “'Remember 9/11' should be more than a bumper sticker. For those who would be Commander-in-Chief, we want to know: Will you actually help those who are sick and dying because of 9/11, or are your words of thanks just empty talk?” according to the release. “So, we're giving the candidates another chance and asking them to join this effort and declare their support by this Friday. It's the fourteenth anniversary of the attacks—we don't want to hear any more rhetoric or thank-yous, just a simple 'yes' or 'no.'” Friday, September 11, 2015 is the 14th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.”
The WTC Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring, is slated to expire in October. The VCF, which provides compensation to ailing responders, is set to end in October 2016. Parker Waichman comments that a number of responders and survivors rely on these programs to manage their ailing condition. “These individuals already suffered through 9/11 itself, now they are sick from toxic dust exposure in the aftermath,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “The next president needs to recognize the importance of the Zadroga Act and permanently extend its benefits.”
Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clients—other responders and survivors.
The firm comments that permanent extension of the Zadroga Act is especially important in light of the fact that some 9/11-related conditions, such as cancer, may take years to manifest. “Some responders and survivors may not know they have a condition as a result of the attacks,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at the firm. “These benefits need to remain open for them and their families.”
The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. In fact, Parker Waichman was recently involved in the “Take Action” tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review their Congresspersons' activities concerning the upcoming expiration of the James Zadroga Act. Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Tool, which may be accessed at: Renew 911 Health Organization's website.
Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and their advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that they receive all of the Zadroga Act compensation they deserve. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for claim assistance, please visit Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).