On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a series of bills into law intended to support the families of 9/11 victims. According to a statement from the Governor's office, the legislation is designed to offer continued assistance and resources to those still affected by the lasting impact of that day.
The legislation includes provisions such as granting additional civil service exam points to relatives of deceased NYC sanitation workers and renewing the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force with updated appointments and areas of study. It also aims to streamline the application process for World Trade Center-related disability and death benefits for first responders. State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, having introduced the latter bill, knows all too well that "9/11 is something they grapple with every day," as she told the Governor's office.
Assemblymember Joseph DeStefano emphasized the importance of the legislation in a statement released by the Governor’s office, noting that, "Today's bill signing is about justice, compassion, and keeping faith with those who answered the call after 9/11." The legislation represents an ongoing effort to provide support and acknowledgment to first responders and their families.
Expressing her support, Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato thanked Governor Hochul for her leadership and highlighted the importance of expanding the 9/11 Task Force. She told the Governor’s office that the effort could not come soon enough for the heroes "who saved lives that day, and helped in the aftermath."
Impacted families, such as that of Ignazio Giacalone—whose name is attached to a newly signed bill—are receiving formal recognition and legislative support. Michael Giacalone, Ignazio’s son, said in an interview with the Governor’s office, "I’m beyond grateful for the signing of the ‘Ignazio Giacalone Act.’"
