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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Six Years Later, Relief May Be in Sight for 9/11 Workers and Residents

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Tuesday, September 11, 2007   

New York – New relief may be on its way for rescue workers, residents and others affected by the September 11th attacks at New York's World Trade Center. A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House would provide medical monitoring and treatment for those who suffered through exposure to hazardous chemicals. Democrat Carolyn Maloney is a cosponsor of the "9/11 Health and Compensation Act.”

"It expands care to the whole exposed community; not just the first responders, the police and fire. It would also include residents, area workers, school children, federal workers, and the thousands of people who responded from across the country."

The bill also reopens the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund for victims of toxic exposure. Critics argue current laws are a roadblock to the efforts of more than 10,000 responders, who have been unable to collect from a federal fund for workers' compensation claims. Many responders have joined a class-action lawsuit for reimbursements from the billion-dollar fund. Kia Franklin is with the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy.

"Of the $1 billion, so far $74 million has been spent. But, that money has not been spent on worker compensation claims, rather it has been spent on legal fees to fight the worker compensation claims and overhead costs. So folks are asking, 'What's this money for? Why is it sitting there?'"

Republican cosponsor Vito Fossella says the new law would remove roadblocks to health care for residents and workers, and that's the right thing to do for past and future responders.

"When people and volunteers and others rush into a situation that demands a national response, they should have access to treatment. Until there is a better idea, this seems to be the best approach."





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