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September 21, 2005
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Erickson: Senate Passes Measure
to Increase Emergency Responders Death Benefits
Harrisburg -- The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously
passed legislation today that would expand and
increase family death benefits for emergency
responders, according to Senator Ted Erickson
(R-26), who voted in favor of the measure.
House Bill 875 increases family death benefits
covered under the Emergency Responders Death
Benefits Act from $50,000 to $100,000. It also
expands the law to cover death benefits for
responders who die of a heart attack or stroke that
occurs within 24 hours of a physical training
exercise or emergency response.
The act covers firefighters, ambulance service
and rescue squad members, National Guard members and
police.
"We ask more and more of our emergency
responders, from dealing with disasters to
preventing terrorist attacks. No amount of money can
replace a life, but it is past time these benefits
be increased," said Erickson.
Erickson said the measure is part of a
legislative package designed to improve homeland
security.
The bill was amended and returned to the House of
Representatives.
CONTACT: Tom Golden – 610.853.4100
