Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law on Monday, September 11 – the 16th anniversary of 9/11 – a bill that will expand unlimited sick leave benefits for New York State public sector officers and employees from outside the city who got sick as a result of their heroic response to 9/11 rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts at the World Trade Center.
Under the bill, sponsored in the Senate by State Senator Marty Golden and passed by the legislature earlier this year, qualifying individuals would be eligible for unlimited paid leave at 100 percent of their regular salary dating back to the time of their diagnosis.
“This legislation will help the thousands of brave men and women who put their lives on the line to save others during the tragic events that unfolded on September 11, 2001,” said Golden. “The first responders who led recovery efforts on that day, and the weeks and months that followed, deserve the very best health care and assistance New York has to offer, and I commend the governor for signing this legislation as we will continue to support these heroes.”
The legislation applies to all employees of the state, public authorities and municipalities outside of New York City who participated in 9/11 rescue, recovery or cleanup activities and subsequently developed a qualifying condition – regardless of the officer or employee’s employer on 9/11.
The state will reimburse municipalities and authorities for the cost.
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