Gotham Gazette: Grant Money for 9/11 Health

The council unanimously passed Resolution 738, which was first introduced by Councilmember Joseph Addabbo Jr., in support of the 9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act of 2007. This federal legislation sponsored by Senator Hillary Clinton would create a grant program for programs providing medical and mental health monitoring, tracking, and treatment for individuals who suffered from ill health effects following their work at Ground Zero after 9/11. The bill would especially support organizations working with those who lack medical benefits or whose expenses go beyond their coverage. The federal bill would authorize $2 billion for such programs between 2008 and 2012. Currently, the act has four other Senate sponsors, including New York’s Charles Schumer. A companion bill in the House of Representatives was introduced by Jerrold Nadler and sponsored by 16 other members of the House, including several from New York State and City.