Dear Members, On Sept. 11, 2001, first responders and civilian workers bravely rushed to the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa., to help us recover from one of the worst terrorist attacks in history. I will never forget that day or where I was—in Brooklyn, watching the second plane crash into the second tower. We have an obligation to help those who helped us, those who risked their own health and safety to perform their duties. It’s now our duty to make sure they receive quality healthcare and assistance. Legislation is pending before the House and Senate that would extend and permanently fund the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The VCF is the main vehicle that provides desperately needed financial aid to thousands of injured and ill first responders and survivors. Without this permanent extension, the VCF coverage would end in 2020 for first responders, thousands of teachers and school staff from AFT Local 2, 19,000 students and tens of thousands of residents. This would deny these victims the means to pay for doctor visits, cancer treatments, physical therapy and other lifesaving medical care for injuries and illnesses related to their service. We cannot let our heroes down. Click here to write to your lawmakers and tell them to permanently fund and extend the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. By passing the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. (S. 546 and H.R. 1327), Congress would ensure that first responders and other victims working or living in lower Manhattan continue to receive the vital compensation and assistance they need, and would ensure benefits for others who may require the assistance in the future. We owe it to these brave men and women to make sure they have the benefits and care they need. Click here to write to your lawmakers now. In unity, Randi Weingarten AFT President
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