State Reps Call for More Funding for 9/11 Workers

Health and government officials met yesterday to announce that the $40 million allocated by the federal government to treat those with 9/11-related illnesses may run out in months during a press conference at Hunter College in Manhattan. Sen. Hillary Clinton and Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Vito Fossella called for more funding in the new federal budget to treat the more than 30,000 rescue workers, volunteers and residents that have reported becoming ill following the 9/11 attacks.

The group, which included Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Dr. John Agwunobi and Federal Coordinator of 9/11 Health Issues Dr. John Howard, estimated that the funding, which was first dispensed in October, will run out as early as this summer.

"Time is passing while people are getting sick and dying,” said Senator Clinton. “This has to be one of the President's top priorities in his upcoming budget."

-Heather Corcoran

AP Photo/Mary Altaffer