Statement from HPAE President Ann Twomey on the Governor’s Veto of Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Emergency Responders (S1778)
Health Professionals and Allied Employees/AFT/AFL-CIO
110 Kinderkamack Road
Emerson, NJ 07630
201-262-5005
www.hpae.org
Contact: Jeanne Otersen 201-262-5005
Cell 201-280-9279 or Ann Twomey 201-424-5767
Statement from Ann Twomey, President, HPAE:
“Today Governor Christie vetoed legislation to improve our workers’ compensation system, and failed to protect First Responders – including nurses, firefighters police and other emergency personnel – the people who rush in towards danger, rather than run away.
Nurses are often part of hospital first responder teams, and willingly provide emergency medical care and rescue operations for our neighbors and families, often risking their own health and safety.
Many of the dangerous substances or toxins First Responders come in contact with cause serious, life-long illnesses and even death. Instead of gaining coverage and protection from our workers’ compensation system, First Responders often have to fight long costly legal battles to prove the link between their exposure and illnesses that sometimes show up years later.
New Jersey, one of the most densely populated states, has more than 3000 facilities that store or use hazardous substances. With this veto, Governor Christie has forgotten those who protect us from everyday fires as well as catastrophic and terrorist events. We must do better to protect those who protect us – and we urge the NJ Legislature to override Governor Christie’s veto.”
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