"Four years after scores of rescue workers were injured in the smoldering wreckage of the World Trade Center, the federal government <b>plans to rescind</b> $125 million that was allocated to help them, and many of those who requested compensation are finding their <b>claims being disputed</b> at <b>10 times the rate</b> that typical workers face.<br><br>
"The money, included in a $20 billion aid package the federal government gave to New York in late 2001, was part of $175 million that was earmarked for the state's workers' compensation program. So far, only $50 million of the part set aside for trade center workers has been spent, and a provision in the Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 would reclaim the remaining $125 million.<br><br>
"But yesterday, lawmakers called on the White House to withdraw its proposal, saying the money was still badly needed by ground zero workers who are fighting for lost wages and facing the prospect of long-term health problems that doctors are only beginning to understand."<br><br>
"In 2004, for example, a <b>study</b> at Mount Sinai Hospital looked at 12,000 rescue workers and found that <b>roughly half</b> would need continued treatment for respiratory problems and psychological issues as a result of their work at ground zero."<br><br>
More here:<br><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/03/nyregion/03air.html?pagewanted=print" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/03/ny...gewanted=print</a><br><br>
Guess those folks served their purposes to Rove et al. as props for the campaign.
"The money, included in a $20 billion aid package the federal government gave to New York in late 2001, was part of $175 million that was earmarked for the state's workers' compensation program. So far, only $50 million of the part set aside for trade center workers has been spent, and a provision in the Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 would reclaim the remaining $125 million.<br><br>
"But yesterday, lawmakers called on the White House to withdraw its proposal, saying the money was still badly needed by ground zero workers who are fighting for lost wages and facing the prospect of long-term health problems that doctors are only beginning to understand."<br><br>
"In 2004, for example, a <b>study</b> at Mount Sinai Hospital looked at 12,000 rescue workers and found that <b>roughly half</b> would need continued treatment for respiratory problems and psychological issues as a result of their work at ground zero."<br><br>
More here:<br><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/03/nyregion/03air.html?pagewanted=print" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/03/ny...gewanted=print</a><br><br>
Guess those folks served their purposes to Rove et al. as props for the campaign.
