RALLY SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR SEPTEMBER 11TH WORKERS

Labor leaders and elected officials gathered near the World Trade Center site today to call on Congress to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

The comprehensive legislation would cover medical monitoring and treatment for tens of thousands of first responders and residents who were exposed to toxins at the site and are not currently receiving help from the government.

“We have a moral obligation to provide health care to the thousands of first responders, area resident, school children and others, thousands of whom came here from across the country to help us,” said President Jack Ahern of the New York City Central Labor Council.

“We need long term treatment and this legislation does just that. It provides long term treatment for the men and woman who very much gave to New York City their heart and soul,” said first responder Alex Sanchez.

The bill is named after former Detective James Zadroga, who was a rescue worker after the attacks. Controversy ensued after city medical officials said his death wasn’t related to the September 11th terrorist attacks.