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New York State Senator Pam Helming (R-54th District) yesterday helped pass legislation to better protect the health of volunteer firefighters who become sick due to the hazards they encounter from their service to the community. The bill (S1411), expands the benefits available to volunteer firefighters when they contract certain illnesses and cancers as a result of their dangerous work.

"Volunteer firefighters valiantly serve our communities and put their lives on the line for us every day to protect our lives and property," said Senator Helming. "These unsung heroes of our communities are critical in meeting our emergency services needs in often hazardous environments and dangerous circumstances. For their service, they must be provided every protection that the state can afford them."

Overexposure to smoke increases the risk of contracting cancer of the lungs, but may also cause cancer in an individual's esophagus, stomach, blood, intestines, and even the brain. A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study suggests firefighters are at higher risk of cancers of the digestive, oral, respiratory, and urinary systems when compared to the general population.

This legislation expands the existing coverage available under the Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Law to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems or melanoma.

Helming also voted for two public protection measures to help save the lives of abused children. The bills would require follicle testing of young children for drugs if their guardian is arrested on serious drug charges, and restrict high caseloads from jeopardizing the investigation of child abuse or maltreatment.

"These are important measures that will help to better protect New York's infants and young children from abuse and neglect," said Senator Helming. "It is incumbent upon us as lawmakers to do all that we can to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable populations."

Bill S137, known as Kayleigh Mae's Law, is named after a 13-month-old child in Washington County who tragically died after being given bottles laced with heroin and cocaine by her parents who allegedly wanted to stop her crying.

Bill S3146, establishes a statewide standard of no more than 15 cases per month per full-time child protective caseworker.

"The recent deaths of several children from throughout our state highlights the need to place a limit on the number of cases assigned to a child protective service investigator," said Helming. "New York State's caseworkers are charged with protecting our children and when they are overburdened, they cannot be as effective as we need them to be. This legislation and Kayleigh Mae's Law will go a long way to keep our children safe and save lives."

The bills have been sent to the Assembly for consideration.

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