July 28, 2011
Joint Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Committee on Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Chair Margaret Chin
“We are disheartened to learn that the Zadroga 9/11 health law will fail to cover Ground Zero responders and residents suffering from cancer. By excluding these victims from the benefits of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, the federal government turns its back on people who rushed to the nation’s aid during one of the darkest days in our history.
This legislation provides much needed health-care and compensation for the heroes of 9/11. It aims to heal those who continued to heal our community after the attacks. It’s a promise to the heroes of 9/11 that we will never forget the sacrifices they made. Implementing the Zadroga 9/11 health law in the way it was originally intended is the best way to keep this promise.
Although we are disappointed in today’s announcement, we are confident that studies on the effects of Ground Zero toxins will ultimately provide the scientific evidence needed to support the inclusion of cancers under this law.”
