News Summary
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation aimed at enhancing support for families affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The law reestablishes the Sept. 11 Worker Protection Task Force and introduces benefits for the children and siblings of sanitation workers who died from 9/11-related illnesses. Key changes streamline access to World Trade Center-related disability benefits and include provisions for improved employment opportunities. This initiative comes as the nation marks the 24th anniversary of the attacks, addressing a growing health crisis among responders and their families.
New York City – On September 11, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation designed to bolster support for families of victims from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The initiative aims to provide additional resources and benefits for those affected by the tragic event as the nation marks the 24th anniversary of the attacks.
The new law reestablishes and expands the Sept. 11 Worker Protection Task Force, which will now feature new appointments, hold biannual meetings, and widen its scope of study, extending its mandate through June 10, 2030. A focal point of this legislation is the creation of additional benefits specifically for the children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who lost their lives due to illnesses linked to 9/11-related exposures. These benefits include extra points on civil service exams for municipal jobs, a measure aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for survivors’ families.
In connection with these changes, the legislation also streamlines the application process for World Trade Center-related disability and death benefits. The changes enable timely notices of participation in relevant programs to be accepted as proof of involvement unless disproven by an employer, which is expected to facilitate access to essential support for many affected individuals.
Statistics indicate a growing health crisis resulting from the attacks, with over 50,000 individuals estimated to be suffering from 9/11-related cancers, as noted by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The efforts to provide additional support come amid ongoing concerns about the health consequences stemming from that fateful day.
The implications of this legislation were emphasized by Governor Hochul, who stated the importance of continuing to honor the fallen heroes from the 9/11 attacks while ensuring that their families receive the necessary support. State Senator Monica Martinez remarked on the significant challenges faced by the families of first responders whose lives have been drastically affected by 9/11-related illnesses, commending the legislative measures as essential steps toward addressing their ongoing hardships.
Furthermore, Senator Gillibrand has been advocating for Congress to secure full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, which was established in 2011 to provide necessary medical assistance to those impacted by the attacks. This program is under threat of losing its ability to enroll new responders unless adequate funding is ensured. Failure to secure these funds could lead to the closure of enrollment for new responders by October 2028, further jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of many who risked their lives during and after the attacks.
As part of the national observance, memorial ceremonies were held across New York City to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Activities included moments of silence and the reading of names inscribed at the 9/11 Memorial, echoing the profound loss experienced by the nation on that day. The terrorist attacks resulted in the death of 2,977 individuals from various nationalities and led to significant devastation across the United States.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum plays a pivotal role in preserving the memory of those lost and has attracted millions of visitors. It continues to generate substantial revenue, which contributes to its ongoing operations and the important task of educating future generations about the events of that day.
This new legislation marks a critical milestone in ensuring that the families of those affected by 9/11 continue to receive the support they need and that the ramifications of the attacks are acknowledged and addressed in a meaningful way.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Protecting Birds 9/11 Tribute
- Wikipedia: September 11 attacks
- Cleveland.com: Trump Wants to Take Over 9/11 Memorial
- Google Search: 9/11 Memorial September 11
- CBS News: 9/11 Memorial Never Forget What Happened
- Encyclopedia Britannica: September 11 attacks
- Fox5NY: NYC September 11 Remembrance Ceremony
- Google News: 9/11 Memorial Service
- NBC New York: Watch Live 9/11 Memorial Service
- Google Scholar: World Trade Center Health Program
- North Jersey: NYC Light Beams for 9/11 Victims
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
