NY Lawmakers File Petition Requiring 9/11 Health Czar to Consider Covering Cancers

New York, NY – U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Peter King, Charles Rangel, Nydia Velázquez, and Michael Grimm; Denis Hughes, President of the New York State AFL-CIO; Pat Lynch, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association; Al Hagan, President of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association; John Feal, President of the FealGood Foundation; and 9/11 first responders and survivors gathered at ground zero today to announce that the lawmakers have filed a petition with 9/11 Health Program Administrator Dr. John Howard that will require Dr. Howard to consider within 60 days whether or not to add coverage for cancers under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. A copy of the petition, which was also signed by New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, follows.

The lawmakers filed their petition following the release last week in The Lancet of a peer-reviewed study by the New York City Fire Department that indicated an elevated risk of melanoma, thyroid and prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among firefighters who served at ground zero compared to the general population, and an overall increase in cancer among firefighters exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center site compared to firefighters who weren’t exposed to those toxins.

In July, Dr. Howard announced that, following a review of the available medical evidence, cancers would not yet be considered covered conditions under the Zadroga Act. However, the only peer-reviewed study of possible 9/11-related cancers available at that time was a small study showing a possible rise in multiple myeloma among 9/11 responders.

“Doctors at the 9/11 health clinics have been telling us for years that cancers would likely result from the toxic dust that lingered near ground zero following the attacks. Last week’s study showing elevated cancer rates among firefighters who served at ground zero provided alarming evidence that calls for action, so we are filing a petition that requires Dr. Howard to consider covering cancers under the Zadroga Act,” Maloney said. “I believe that we should provide proper care for cancer-stricken 9/11 heroes and heroines, even if that means treating a few cancers that may not have been caused by the attacks. The benefits far outweigh the costs. It took decades for scientists to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that smoking causes cancer. 9/11 responders and others exposed to the deadly toxins can’t wait that long.”

“Many of us have known for years that exposure to Ground Zero contaminants has led — and will continue to lead — to increases in cancer among 9/11 responders and survivors,” said Nadler. “With last week’s publication of the FDNY study in The Lancet, we believe we have sufficient scientific evidence to make the case to the medical establishment and put this question to rest. As the study shows, toxins are strongly linked to the development of melanoma, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among responders at Ground Zero.”

“It is imperative that Dr. Howard add cancer to the list of covered conditions so that these responders can get the care they so obviously need and deserve from their time at Ground Zero,” said King.

Senator Gillibrand said, “Our first responders and their families continue to suffer physically and financially from deadly cancers, and the longer they have to wait on a cancer determination, the longer our 9/11 heroes will continue to suffer without proper treatment or compensation. For many responders, this is a matter of life and death and we will do everything possible to speed up this process.”

“In the last ten years, so many of our first responders developed rare cancers that it is very plausible there is a link between their illnesses and the toxins they were exposed to at Ground Zero. With the release of last week’s study, we finally have new evidence,” said Senator Schumer. “I urge Dr. Howard to promptly review the study because its data argues that we should add certain cancers to the list of illnesses covered under the Zadroga Act.”

“The freedom we enjoy today is not free. We have an obligation to care for those who rise to the defense of our nation. We don’t leave our injured soldiers on the battlefield, and we certainly shouldn’t leave the 9/11 first responders who are at increased risk for cancer and other ailments with no funding,” said Rangel. “While we can never fully express our gratitude for their sacrifices and patriotism, we can provide them the care they need and deserve. I am proud to stand alongside my dear friends and colleagues to stand up for the heroes who now most need our help.”

Velázquez said, “The evidence is clear– toxins released at Ground Zero cause cancer. It would be unconscionable to deny assistance to New York residents and first responders who contract these diseases as a result of 9/11.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that the high cancer rates among 9/11 firefighters are due to their exposure to toxins from the WTC site. On 9/11, our first responders selflessly rushed into the toxic dust cloud to save the lives of others, and now we have a responsibility to save theirs. We cannot turn our backs on these brave heroes, which is why I proudly stand with my colleagues in urging that cancer be added to the list of ailments covered by the Zadroga Act,” said Grimm.

“I applaud U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Peter King for taking the lead in filing a petition requiring federal health officials to consider adding cancer coverage under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I join the voices of my colleagues and other New Yorkers to ensure that 9/11 first responders are adequately covered for the illnesses and ailments they have suffered because of their selfless acts immediately following the attacks. We owe it to these brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of so many ten years ago,” stated Clarke.

“We as a nation have a moral obligation to the brave first responders who put their lives at risk to toil day and night at the World Trade Center site. This latest study suggesting an elevated risk of cancer among firefighters who served at ground zero provides a compelling case that we should expand the Zadroga Act to cover cancers. We cannot wait for endless studies to tell us what we all know: Those who were exposed to the toxic dust at the World Trade Center deserve the fullest possible healthcare coverage. They made incredible sacrifices for our community and our nation and it is past time to give them the benefits they are due,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

“Recent studies have shown evidence of a rise in cancer related illnesses for 9/11 first responders. As a result, it is important that cancers be added to the list of covered conditions under the Zadroga Act. We have a responsibility to protect the long term health of our heroes. Including coverage of cancers is an important step in that direction,” said Denis Hughes, President, New York State AFL-CIO.

Sec. 3312(a)(6) of the Zadroga Act states that an interested party, defined as “a representative of any organization representing WTC responders, a nationally recognized medical association, a Clinical or Data Center, a State or political subdivision, or any other interested person,” may petition the Program Administrator to add a condition to the list of WTC-related health conditions. Once the WTC Program Administrator receives a written petition, the law states that “not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of such petition the Administrator shall—(i) request a recommendation of the Advisory Committee; (ii) publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register to add such health condition…; (iii) publish in the Federal Register the Administrator’s determination not to publish such a proposed rule and the basis for such determination; or (iv) publish in the Federal Register a determination that insufficient evidence exists to take action under clauses (i) through (iii).”

Study Suggests Higher Cancer Risk for 9/11 Firefighters

by Sydney Ember

A new study says firefighters who toiled in the wreckage of the World Trade Center in 2001 were 19 percent more likely to develop cancer than those who were not there, the strongest evidence to date of a possible link between work at ground zero and cancer.

The study, published Thursday in the British medical journal The Lancet, included almost 10,000 New York City firefighters, most of whom were exposed to the caustic dust and smoke created by the fall of the twin towers. The findings indicate an “increased likelihood for the development of any type of cancer,” said Dr. David J. Prezant, the chief medical officer for the New York Fire Department, who led the study. But he said the results were far from conclusive. “This is not an epidemic,” he said.

Cancer is not on the list of illnesses covered by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which has set aside $4.3 billion to treat, compensate and monitor those suffering from health problems associated with the attacks and their aftermath, like asthma and other respiratory ailments. But the law requires officials at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct periodic reviews of studies to assess whether to add illnesses to the list.

The first review, released on July 26, said that available research had not yet confirmed a link between exposure to substances released after the attack and cancer. But the study published Thursday is the largest assessment of cancer to date in firefighters who worked at ground zero.

The report studied cancer occurrence in nearly 10,000 male Fire Department personnel in the seven years after Sept. 11, 2001. (There were too few women to create a meaningful sample size.) Firefighters were eligible to participate if they were active on Jan. 1, 1996, and if their exposure to substances at the World Trade Center site was known. Of those in the study, 8,927 were classified as exposed, meaning they spent at least one day at the site in the 10 months after Sept. 11. Almost all of those were exposed in the first two weeks after the attack.

There were 263 cancer cases in the exposed population, reflecting a cancer rate 19 percent higher than that of the group not exposed. The cancer rate of the exposed group was only 10 percent higher than that of American men over all. And the group of firefighters who were not exposed had a lower rate than the general population, which the researchers said may be a result of their overall physical fitness and low smoking rates.

The research team said the findings should be interpreted cautiously because many cancers caused by exposure to substances found at the site, including asbestos and jet fuel, can take decades to manifest.

It can be difficult to reach conclusions in studies like this one because it is hard for investigators to account for factors, other than exposure to toxic ground zero materials, that might contribute to the difference in cancer rates.

The study established no link between exposure to the trade center site and particular cancers, though there were indications that certain cancers including melanoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and thyroid and prostate cancer occurred more frequently among exposed firefighters than in the general population. Occurrences of lung cancer did not increase.

“Is it a definitive study? No,” said Dr. James Melius, the administrator of the New York State Laborers’ Health and Safety Trust Fund and one of the peer reviewers of the study. “But it provides information that there may be a significant cancer risk for these people.”

Dr. Melius said the study alone would probably not be enough to persuade federal officials to include cancer as one of the diseases covered under the Zadroga Act, because cancer is widespread in the general population. The study was limited to firefighters, who were present in large numbers at ground zero, especially in the first weeks after Sept. 11. He added that these results hinted at a correlation, but did not yet prove a direct link.

Still, the study does provide a reassuring jumping-off point for further assessment, said Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, who was the lead sponsor of the Zadroga Act in the House. “It’s a scientific study; it is building the case,” she said. “You have to get a consensus in the medical community that supports this. I believe we will.”

Fred Blosser, a spokesman for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, said the institute was encouraged by the appearance of additional peer-reviewed studies. The second review will take place in early to mid-2012. “We look forward to giving this paper, plus any others that appear, serious consideration,” Mr. Blosser said.

Trish Chelsen, whose husband, Roy, was a New York City firefighter, said she believed his death in January of multiple myeloma was caused by the chemicals at ground zero. “In time, research will prove that, but in medicine, everything is evidence-based,” she said. “He wouldn’t have died at 51, that’s for sure.”

Before chemotherapy and two stem-cell transplants sapped his energy, Mr. Chelsen was strong and determined, his wife said, “like a typical Viking.” She said she hoped finding a link between cancer and toxic ground zero materials would save other families from financial difficulties.

The Lancet also published other reports related to the Sept. 11 attacks on Thursday, including one by researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center showing the persistence of respiratory, gastrointestinal and mental illness among rescue and recovery workers. Another report, by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, however, indicated a lower mortality rate among recovery and rescue workers compared to the general population of New York City. Its authors attributed the lower rate to the “healthy-worker effect” — those present at the site were more likely to be employed, a group typically healthier than the general population.

Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, head of a Sept. 11 treatment, monitoring and research program at Mount Sinai Medical Center and the principal investigator of the Mount Sinai report, said he had no doubt that time would reveal a connection between certain cancers and exposure to the trade center site. “We know full well that the responders were exposed to a whole soup of carcinogens,” he said. “We’re all looking for a signal today, but we’re all anticipating that the signal will get stronger in the years ahead.”

James Zadroga Act Protects 9/11 First Responders

By Nicholas Kapustinsky

It took nearly ten years and the sustained effort, spirit, and sacrifice of one of the broadest coalitions in New York’s history and on December 22, 2010 the hard work paid off as the U.S. Congress finally passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill provides desperately needed medical monitoring, treatment, and compensation to 9/11 first responders, lower Manhattan area residents, workers, volunteers, and students who were exposed to the toxins at Ground Zero on 9/11 and in the aftermath. The bill provides $4.3 billion funding for health and compensation over five years.

James Zadroga was a New York Police officer whose participation in rescue and recovery operations in the rubble of the World Trade Center and consequent exposure to toxic chemicals resulted in a respiratory disease that eventually led to his untimely death in 2006. The passage of the bill into law in 2010 represented a culmination of years of hard work and sustained partnership.

BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, was a staunch supporter of the Zadroga Bill and compensation and treatment programs. In 2006, partnering with NYCOSH, the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, whose work in championing this cause was invaluable, BALCONY released a series of TV and radio PSAs featuring the Actress Sigourney Weaver, Director Jim Simpson, and the late Boxing Champ José Torres. The PSAs urged the residents of lower Manhattan and 9/11 first responders to register for possible workers compensation benefits.

L – R: Lou Gordon, Jim Simpson, Bruce Ventimiglia, José Torres, Sigourney Weaver

The 9/11 coalition was led by President Denis Hughes and Suzy Ballantyne of the New York State AFL-CIO, Dr. James Melius of LECET, NYC Firefighters Union President Steve Cassidy, and Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Following the passage of the law, Denis Hughes expressed his relief, “With today’s vote, Congress has made the initial down payment on our debt to this nation’s heroes.” As America approaches the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Mr. Cassidy emphasized the critical importance of the law saying, “we still have sick firemen, firemen who are dying…we needed this.”

Zadroga Law sponsors: Rep. Jerry Nadler, Senator Charles Schumer,
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney

Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), prime sponsor of the House Bill (HR 847) said of its passage, “Congress kept its promise to “never forget” by overwhelmingly passing [this bill] into law.” Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) echoed that sentiment, “Members of the House put aside politics and made history by voting in favor of justice and care for the first responders and survivors of 9/11.”

A Senate version of the bill (S1334) passed shortly thereafter. “This victory lap saves lives,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY). “This was the American people…demanding a response and demanding we stand by our heroes and their families,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

BALCONY Director, Lou Gordon stated “The shared struggle and sacrifice of those who fought so hard to see the Zadroga bill passed symbolized the sacrifice of what first responders did at Ground Zero. They found common ground and did what’s right.

President Barack Obama signed the Zadroga Bill into law on January 2, 2011.

The Zadroga Law went into effect on July 1, 2011 “It delivers on the promise we made to the heroes of Ground Zero. These designated Centers of Excellence will ensure a seamless transition and the continuity of care critical to our responders and survivors,” stated Rep. Peter King (R-NY), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a prime sponsor of the Zadroga Law.

Video Report: Safety In The Workplace – a BALCONY Forum, May 6, 2011

May 6, 2011, more than 100 New York labor and management safety experts participated in a Safety in the Workplace Conference presented by BALCONY, LABORPRESS, headed by Neal Tepel, and the Mason Tenders at the Milberg Law Firm in New York City.

BALCONY Director Lou Gordon, forum moderator, introduced the central question of the day: “How does the current anti-regulatory environment impact worker safety?”

Key speakers included Assembly Member Rory Lancman, Joel Shufro of NYCOSH, John Delgado of Laborers Local 79, Matthew Funk of the Pasternack law firm and John Samuelsen, President of TWU Local 100. (R-L in photo above).

The discussion focused on the federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and state responsibilities, funding issues, inspections of the workplace and finally the fatalities and injuries incurred by workers on the job.

Included in the BALCONY/LABORPRESS program was the
March 16, 2011 Congressional testimony by OSHA Assistant Secretary of Labor David Michaels. (Click here for the testimony)

Also included in the Safety program was an analysis of workplace injuries compiled by American Rights at Work. (Click here for the analysis)

The full VIDEO report of the Forum can be viewed at this link: SAFETY

Nurse attacked at Tryon juvenile facility speaks out after brutal attack by 15-year-old girl

Albany – A nurse who survived a violent attack by a 15-year-old girl inside Tryon Residential Center last
week shared her story with reporters today in hopes the violence inside the facility will finally be addressed.
Cheryl Huxhold has been a nurse for more than a decade and has cared for youth at the Tryon juvenile facility
in Johnstown, Fulton County for the past four years.

On Tuesday, May 17, a male youth counselor was holding a meeting with a group of youths when the 15-yearold
pulled up her shirt exposing her breast to the counselor and began taunting him. The counselor ignored the
girl who then pulled down a book case, stood on it, put her hand down her pants and smeared vaginal fluid on
the counselor. The counselor called for Cheryl, the only available female employee in the area.

“I decided to speak out today because I think it’s time someone stands up to say, ‘Enough is enough,’” Cheryl
said. “The violence in the Tryon facility has reached an alarming level. The youths are assaulting one
another and staff on a regular basis.”

During the attack last week, the girl threatened Cheryl and then began spitting on her and repeatedly stabbing
her with a pen.

“It all happened so quickly,” Cheryl said. “She was punching and kicking me as other girls and the counselor
tried to get her off of me,” she added. The girl was eventually subdued by the male counselor. Cheryl was
taken to the hospital. She suffered a concussion, chipped teeth, facial lacerations, multiple wounds from being
stabbed with the pen and bruising. The girl was arrested and the investigation is continuing.

“The violence Cheryl and others have endured at their place of employment is shocking and unacceptable,”
said PEF Secretary-Treasurer Arlea Igoe. “There have been little to no consequences for the youths involved in
these attacks. Unfortunately, the commissioner of the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
refuses to acknowledge or address the escalating violence. Commissioner Gladys Carrion has routinely blamed
staff while implementing polices and procedures that give these troubled youths the upper hand and rushing
them into community-based programs that are inappropriate and don’t provide the intensive treatment needed.

“PEF has long advocated for increased safety for residents and staff. The increase in violence and injury is
well documented, yet Carrion has been allowed to continue to mismanage the agency at the expense of youth
and staff alike,” Igoe added.

OCFS has been ranked the most dangerous agency in which to work in New York State according to the state
Department of Civil Service.

BALCONY LABORPRESS & MASON TENDERS PRESENT: SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

More than 100 labor and management safety experts participated in last week’s Safety Conference presented by BALCONY, LABORPRESS and the Mason Tenders at the Milberg Law Firm here in New York City. BALCONY Director Lou
Gordon, the moderator, asked “How does the current anti-regulatory environment impact worker safety?” Key speakers included Assembly Rory Lancman, Joel Shufro of NYCOSH, John Delgado of Laborers local 79, Matthew Funk of the Pasternack law firm and John Samuelsen, President of TWU local 100.

Discussion focused on the federal OSHA and state responsibilities, funding issues, inspections of the workplace and finally the fatalities and injuries incurred by workers on the job.

A full BALCONY/ LABORPRESS video report will be issued next week.

Samuelsen Calls for Stricter Workplace Safety Laws

By Myles Nicholas Miller

Loopholes in federal occupational safety laws routinely put MTA employees at risk, Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen charged at a breakfast forum this morning.

Samuelsen, head of the influential labor group that represents a majority of New York City’s transit workers said safety at the transit agency isn’t regulated under Federal Railroad Law standards. “The MTA must meet or exceed OSHA standards,” said Samuelsen.
During his speech before the Business and Labor Coalition of New York Samuelsen cited specific transit worker fatalities that he says could have been avoided if the federal government regulated occupational safety at the MTA. The Transport Workers Union president said occupational safety bills in Albany and in Washington usually suffer due to partisan bickering.

“In 2002, a comprehensive track safety bill was passed in Albany,” said Samuelsen. But the labor leader said that the progress was short-lived because Governor George E. Pataki went onto veto it. A bill, which Samuelson called, a “watered down” version passed under Governor Elliot Spitzer in 2006.

“Transit workers put their lives on the line under a push for increased safety,” Samuelsen said. “MTA officials cast doubt against workplace dangers faced by bus and train operators.”

Dead rats and human feces coupled with carrying rails weighing up to 1300 pounds, underscore the issues faced by workers, the union president added.

A MTA spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment.

Parity in Workplace Safety Rules Needed


A Labor leader Friday said that it should be a felony for a non union construction worker to knowingly conceal a workplace injury.

By Myles Nicholas Miller

Speaking at a labor industry breakfast this morning, Laborers 79 Business Manager John Delgado said in many instances developers who employ non union workers don’t seek medical attention for their employees in an effort to skirt worker’s compensation laws.

“Individuals in non union job sites who get hurt get put in a car and taken home because they don’t want to be liable for it,” said Delgado, adding that his union has evidence of this practice being done on multiple occasions. The labor leader noted that “78% of accidents occur in non union job sites.“Non union sites need to be held to the same standards as union sites,” Delgado added. The Chairman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Workplace Safety was quick to express his support for proposed legislation.

“We should make it a crime if a worker gets hurt and is not sent to a hospital,” said Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D – Queens), who, along with Delgado attended the Business and Labor Coalition of New York panel discussion this morning. Lancman said that his office would look into making the practice into State law.

Delgado said developers try to avoid OSHA standards to avoid paying taxes on workers.

BALCONY and Laborpress Host Workplace Safety Conference

By Stephanie West

May 10, 2011

Speaking at a breakfast conference May 10th hosted by the BUSINESS AND LABOR COALITION OF NEW YORK and LABORPRESS, labor leaders said that well funded special interest groups are pushing an anti-safety agenda to save costs.

“The business community is very strongly opposed to workplace safety initiatives,” said Assemblyman Rory Lancman who chairs the Assembly Subcommittee on Workplace Safety. Lancman said work sites are able to bypass Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards because they often fall victim to partisan politics at the state level.

Joel Shufro, executive director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health said OSHA standards fail to be implemented nationwide because of congressional inaction. “We have a Congress that is totally opposed to any new regulations,” Shufro said. “We have the best administration to implement OSHA laws.”

Loopholes in OSHA regulations can lead to an increase in worker deaths, said Bill Hohlfield of Local 46 who is working on bridging the safety gap between union and non-union worksites. “The local unions in this city spend an awful amount of money and effort on training. We are dedicated to protecting our people. We can balance a workers safety with an employers need for
profit,” Hohlfield said.

‘Concealing workplace injuries’

LIUNA Laborers 79 Business Manager John Delgado, said that it should be a felony for a non union construction worker to knowingly conceal a workplace injury. Developers who employ non union workers don’t seek medical attention for their employees in an effort to skirt worker’s compensation laws, continued Delgado.

“Individuals in non union job sites who get hurt get put in a car and taken home because they don’t want to be liable for it,” said Delgado, adding that his union has evidence of this practice being done on multiple occasions. Delgado mentioned that “78% of accidents occur in non union job sites and developers try to avoid OSHA standards to avoid paying taxes on workers.”Non-union sites need to be held to the same standards as union sites,” added
the Local 79 Business Manager.

‘Track Safety Loopholes’

Loopholes in federal occupational safety laws routinely put MTA employees at risk, Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen charged at this breakfast forum. Samuelsen, head of the influential TWU Local 100 that represents a majority of New York City’s transit workers said safety at the transit agency isn’t regulated under Federal Railroad Law standards. Citing specific transit worker fatalities that he said could have been avoided if the federal government regulated occupational safety at the MTA, Samuelson noted that occupational safety bills in Albany and in Washington usually suffer due to partisan bickering.

“In 2002, a comprehensive track safety bill was passed in Albany by the legislature,” said Samuelsen. However, the bill’s progress was short-lived when it was vetoed by Governor George E. Pataki. A bill which Samuelson called a “watered down” version passed under Governor Elliot Spitzer in 2006.

“Transit workers put their lives on the line under a push for increased safety,” Samuelsen said. “MTA officials cast doubt against workplace dangers faced by bus and train operators.”

Dead rats and human feces coupled with carrying rails weighing up to 1300 pounds, underscore the issues faced by transport workers, Samuelsen added.

For additional information or a schedule of future events by Laborpress or BALCONY email: laborpress.stephanie@gmail.com.

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Invite you to a presentation with

Assemblyman Rory Lancman
Chair of the NYS Assembly Subcommittee On Workplace Safety

Joel Shufro, Executive Director – NYCOSH

John Samuelsen, President – TWU Local 100

John Delgado, Business Manager
Construction & General Building Laborers Local 79

Matthew A. Funk, Esq.
Pasternack, Tilker, Ziegler, Walsh, Stanton & Romano, LLP

May 6, 2011 — 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

MILBERG, LLP – One Penn Plaza, 50th Flr., New York

Contact:

Neal Tepel (646) 591-6484

Neal@tepel.org

Lou Gordon (212) 219-7777

Loug@balconynewyork.com

Light breakfast and refreshments provided. Seating is limited.

Sponsored by

  

MagnaCare’s Vice President of Workers’ Compensation and No-Fault, Steven G. Kokulak, Joins Self-Insurance Institute of America

NEW YORK, N.Y.

MagnaCare, a health plan services company with national reach, announced today that Steven G. Kokulak, vice president of Workers’ Compensation and No-Fault, has become a member of the Workers’ Compensation Committee at the Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), a member-based association dedicated to protecting and promoting the business interests of companies involved in the self-insurance/alternative risk transfer (ART) industry, both domestic and international.

“Members of SIIA receive the benefit of informational, educational, networking and legislative/regulatory activities,” says Kokulak. “Being a committee member presents me with the opportunity to share my experience with the expertise and resources of other SIIA members. Being involved in this committee will help us establish ourselves as experts in the workers’ compensation marketplace.

Prior to joining MagnaCare, Kokulak served as litigation counsel for Liberty Mutual in New York City. He earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and his B.A. from Fordham University. His current responsibilities include oversight of all aspects of MagnaCare’s workers’ compensation and no-fault products offerings including marketing, contracting, sales and services.

As a member of SIIA’s Workers’ Compensation Committee, Kokulak will meet quarterly with other committee members to discuss and develop White Papers, schedule and line up speakers and topics for SIIA conferences, attend conferences, moderate lecture series, and contribute by-line articles. Members of SIIA’s Workers’ Compensation Committee aid in identifying various opportunities to increase membership value for companies that are involved with self-insured workers’ compensation programs.

“Steven is an important member of the MagnaCare team, and we are gratified that he has earned this position at SIIA,” says Joseph Berardo Jr., president and CEO of MagnaCare. “We are confident that he will bring significant contributions and expertise to SIIA, along with a strong sense of leadership.”

BALCONY HAILS PASSAGE OF ZADROGA 9/11 BILL

12/23/2010 – New York City – BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, today, Thursday, applauded the U.S. Senate, and especially the New York delegation, Senator Kirstin Gillibrand and Senator Charles Schumer, for passing the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR 847 sponsored by New York Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Representative Peter King (R-NY), and Representative Michael McMahon (D-NY)). BALCONY further congratulates NYS AFL CIO President Denis Hughes, Dr. James Melius of LECET, and Fire Fighters Union President Steve Cassidy for their commitment and dedication demonstrated in support of the Zadgroda Act.

The bill passed the House in September but was blocked by Republicans in the Senate. A newly reconciled version of the bill passed the Senate and then the House on Wednesday, the final day of the lame duck session of Congress. This critical legislation, nearly a decade the making, will provide long overdue and much deserved assistance to thousands of first responders whose health was negatively affected by toxins at Ground Zero. In a time when partisan bickering threatens to consume the legislative process, BALCONY applauds the members of the U.S. Congress for putting politics aside and ensuring that these heroes are neither ignored nor forgotten. BALCONY will continue to advocate on behalf of 9/11 first responders and support legislation that ensures they have the assistance and compensation they need and deserve.

To read more on the passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act click here (NY Times)

BALCONY Joins with New York State AFL-CIO as it Applauds Passage of James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Today the House of Representatives voted to pass the James Zadroga 9/11
Health and Compensation Act. Denis Hughes, President of the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO today issued the following statement:

“It has been more than nine years since our country endured the tragedy of
September 11th. With today’s vote, Congress has made the initial down
payment on our debt to this nation’s heroes. After a long and hard fought
battle, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The New York State AFL-CIO extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation
to New York’s Congressional delegation for their unwavering efforts to
secure passage of this bill.

“In particular, the leadership and dedication of Congresswoman Maloney,
Congressman Nadler and Congressman King have been an inspiration to all who
have joined in this long and worthwhile endeavor. If not for their undying
commitment, this legislation never would have seen the light of day. Our
words of thanks cannot do justice to our appreciation for their efforts.

“We now look forward to passage in the United States Senate. With the
leadership and commitment of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, I am
confident this bill will finally become law.”

BALCONY, The Business and Labor Coalition of New York, joined with the NYS AFL CIO in hailing the House passage of the Zadroga 9/11 Bill which protects those exposed to toxins in the clean up after the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. BALCONY joins in urging swift passage of the 9/11 bill by the United States Senate.

#

Suzy Ballantyne
Assistant to the President for Governmental Affairs
New York State AFL-CIO
100 S. Swan Street
Albany, New York 12210

518-436-8516 x 240 office