NYS AFL-CIO Statement on Effort to Reverse the Sequestration of Funds for 9/11 World Trade Center Victims

ALBANY, NY (09/28/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento released the following statement on the effort to reverse the threatened "sequestration" of funds for 9/11 World Trade Center victims

The 2.5 million members of the New York State AFL-CIO applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand as well as Representatives Maloney, Nadler and King for leading the fight against the sequestration of funds that support 9/11 Health and Compensation programs.

The letter sent today to Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Zients clearly lays out why it is outrageous and indefensible to cut funds for the heroes and survivors of 9/11. The decision to slash these programs just days after the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks and the inclusion of cancer in the list of injuries that should be covered by the law is unacceptable and must not stand.

The Labor Movement in New York worked for nearly a decade to pass the Health and Compensation Act and will not stand idly by while it is whittled away. We will work hand in hand with our Congressional Delegation to defend Zadroga funds and to ensure that all victims, first responders, recovery workers, and residents of Lower Manhattan receive the necessary treatment and compensation to which they are entitled.

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The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families. Our State Federation, which is the largest and most diverse in the country, is committed to helping working families achieve a better life. For more information on the Labor Movement in New York, visit www.nysaflcio.org.