Governor Kathy Hochul signing Assemblyman Sayegh’s 9/11 Notice Act into Law
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed New York Assemblyman Nader Sayegh’s 9/11 Notice Act into law. The bill (A.75B) directs State Agencies to develop a plan to notify as many as 400,000 people who returned to work in the Ground Zero Exposure Zone, were exposed to the 9/11 toxins and are now suffering from illness, that they are eligible for The September Eleventh Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program.
Assemblyman Nader Sayegh who wrote and rallied the NYS legislature to unanimously pass the 9/11 Notice Act said: “In this pivotal moment where our nation stands at the crossroads of memory and responsibility, New York’s 9/11 Notice Act shines as a beacon of recognition and justice. Governor Kathy Hochul’s support activates the ‘Go Find Me Movement’ to locate and help forgotten victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul and all members of the New York State Legislature for recognizing the urgency of alerting those who returned to their daily lives in Lower Manhattan, that they too were exposed to the toxic aftermath of 9/11 and suffered for far too long in silence. With this legislation, we are ensuring that the forgotten victims are not left behind, and they receive the support and care they rightfully deserve. Governor Hochul’s commitment to the well-being of our community is a testament to her dedication to the people of New York.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “On this solemn day of remembrance, let us not only honor the lives lost on 9/11, but also extend our support to the survivors, their loved ones and our first responders,” Governor Hochul said. “New York remains committed to honoring the legacy of those lost and providing resources for victims and their loved ones.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “In addition to our heroic first responders, there are many workers, including retail employees, cleanup workers, office workers, building services staff, and others who were in the vicinity of the World Trade Center during and after the horrific 9/11 terrorist attacks and who may experience WTC-related illnesses. The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program have been a lifeline for many people for two decades, but many others are not aware that they may be eligible for these programs. This law will help remedy this by enlisting employers of those who worked in the area on or after 9/11 up until July 31, 2002 to notify each employee of these programs. I thank Assemblyman Nader Sayegh for championing this bill in the Assembly, all those who advocated for its passage, and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”
9/11 Legal Advocate Michael Barasch, managing partner of Barasch & McGarry said “To this day, tens of thousands of workers, former students and residents of lower Manhattan are unaware of their eligibility for coverage, both for themselves and their families,”. “Most first responders are registered due to the insistence of their unions and the city and state agencies that employed them, but the vast majority of non-responders are unaware of the protections and services available to them as well. 69 cancers have been linked to 9/11 toxins and they can take decades to develop. By signing this bill, Governor Hochul is sending a clear message that New York stands with its heroes, survivors, and their families, providing them with the information they need to access the healthcare and compensation they deserve.”
Assemblyman Sayegh urges anyone with questions about the 9/11 Notice Act and how to apply for assistance to contact his Yonkers District Office at 914 779 8805 or via email at sayeghn@nyassembly.gov.
