Author Archives: Michael Barasch
Firefighters Group Shreds Politicians Who Denied Zadroga Bill Support
Firefighters are tired of the empty rhetoric of politicians who claim to support the heroism of the first responders but who consistently refuse to support the extension of the Zadroga Act, which would continue medical treatment for those who have been diagnosed with WTC illnesses. Too many politicians have made flowery speeches honoring the sacrifices […]
Failure to Reauthorize Zadroga Bill is Congress’ Shame (Editorial)
The Staten Island Advance has published a scathing editorial criticizing hypocritical politicians for failing to support the extension of the Zadroga Act. With so many first responders and local residents diagnosed with life-threatening cancers that have been linked to the toxic World Trade Center dust, it is a disgrace that Congress hasn’t done the right […]
The Victim Compensation Fund is closing on October 3, 2016. We need your help now to extend it.
VCF Awards Likely to Be Cut by 60% Unless You Take Action to Contact Congressmen Outside of the New York Area. “I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed for our country.” That’s how Jon Stewart described the failure of Congress to extend health and compensation programs for 9/11 first responders and survivors – 33,000 of whom are suffering […]
Are EMS Workers the Forgotten 9/11 Responders?
The legendary heroism of FDNY firefighters, Port Authority police and NYPD officers has cast a long shadow over the events of September 11th, 2001. At times, it seems as though emergency medical service workers have gotten lost in that shadow. Nevertheless, eight EMS workers were lost that day and many more continue to suffer physically […]
Dropping the “Disorder” in Post-Traumatic Stress
Many 9/11 responders have suffered from PTSD in the days, months and years after the attacks. But if certain people in Washington have their way, the diagnosis might change to PTS. According to the Washington Post, a movement is afoot in the nation’s capital to change the way politicians and veterans’ advocates talk about post-traumatic […]
Voices of September 11th Information Forum
Attorneys Mike Barasch and Noah Kushlefsky were invited to speak at a Voices of September 11th Forum. They joined the Victim Compensation Fund’s (VCF) Special Master Sheila Birnbaum, and the VCF’s NY Director Fran Gottfried. The four discussed the progress that the VCF has made since Congress passed the Zadroga Health & Compensation Act in […]
Mike Barasch and Joe Zadroga joined Congressional Representatives Maloney, Nadler, King, as well as dozens of sick 9/11 responders at Ground Zero to urge Congress to extend the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and make it permanent.
First responders suffering with cancers, respiratory problems, and other illnesses say people will die if 9/11 health and compensation programs expire: Joe Zadroga, father of NYPD Detective James Zadroga Without Congressional action, the World Trade Center Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund will expire next year, leaving over 70,000 9/11 responders and survivors in […]
Mike Barasch attended a press conference at Ground Zero to bring the WTC Zadroga extension bill to a vote
Mike Barasch attended a press conference at Ground Zero where several NY area Congressmen urged their colleagues—particularly House Republican leaders—to bring the WTC Zadroga extension bill to a vote. Barasch joined politicians, union leaders and dozens of responders to urge passage. Several survivors, including Barasch’s client Joe Zadroga, spoke of the health and financial hardships […]
State Extends Sept. 11th Worker Protection Task Force Act for Five Years
On July 7, 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill extending the Sept. 11th Worker Protection Task Force for another five years. Sponsors of the legislation cited the positive role of the Task Force in helping those afflicted with disabilities after working at the World Trade Center in the wake of the 2001 […]
