posted on June 3, 2005 06:35:13 PM new
...to the 9/11 Rescue Worker heros:
from the New York Times:
June 3, 2005
Bush 2006 Budget Would Reclaim $125 Million of 9/11 Aid
By ANAHAD O'CONNOR
Four years after scores of rescue workers were injured in the smoldering wreckage of the World Trade Center, the federal government plans to rescind $125 million that was allocated to help them, and many of those who requested compensation are finding their claims being disputed at 10 times the rate that typical workers face.
The money, included in a $20 billion aid package the federal government gave to New York in late 2001, was part of $175 million that was earmarked for the state's workers' compensation program. So far, only $50 million of the part set aside for trade center workers has been spent, and a provision in the Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 would reclaim the remaining $125 million.
But yesterday, lawmakers called on the White House to withdraw its proposal, saying the money was still badly needed by ground zero workers who are fighting for lost wages and facing the prospect of long-term health problems that doctors are only beginning to understand.
In 2004, for example, a study at Mount Sinai Hospital looked at 12,000 rescue workers and found that roughly half would need continued treatment for respiratory problems and psychological issues as a result of their work at ground zero.
"We recommend that they not rescind this money, and that they make sure that every penny is there for these workers," said Senator Charles E. Schumer, referring to the White House as he spoke at a news conference yesterday afternoon on Church Street near ground zero.
Scott Millburn, a spokesman for the White House Office of Management and Budget, said in a statement yesterday that the remaining funds were being rescinded because the state's needs "were not as large as initially feared," and noted that a mere $6 million of it had been spent in 2004.
Last year, a Congressional report found that the state was sitting on much of that money. Of about $25 million earmarked for volunteer workers, the New York State Workers' Compensation Board had doled out only $456,000. It spent $44 million more to reimburse state agencies for payments to the families of 9/11 victims, and $4.4 million to upgrade its computer system.
More than 10,182 people have filed workers' compensation claims, the report found, but the state refused to say how many had been denied.
In a letter to the White House drafted on Tuesday by Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, a Democrat representing parts of Manhattan and Queens, more than 20 New York lawmakers demanded that the administration hold off on pulling the money, saying that an actuarial review was needed to reach a projected cost of current and anticipated claims.
A document provided by Representative Maloney's office shows that many rescue workers who filed claims years ago are facing serious hurdles. The document, a letter from the Injured Workers Pharmacy, a company that provides medicine to people who were injured on the job while their compensation claims are being processed, indicates that 9/11 workers are 10 times more likely to have their claims disputed than other people who file claims.
The company, which charges a fee after a person's claim is paid out, found that so many of its clients who were 9/11 workers either had their claims held up or disputed for so long that it could no longer accept them.
"Our patients can't get medicine, they can't get diagnostic tests, they're getting horrible runarounds to the point where even the I.W.P. is saying they can't continue to help them," said Dr. Stephen Levin, who has been treating rescue workers at Mount Sinai.
One of those patients is Jonathan Sferazo, 50, an ironworker who spent four weeks at ground zero cutting through debris and crawling through twisted, smoldering steel. Mr. Sferazo, who sobbed as he recalled retrieving a human head and inhaling green smoke from burning computer screens, developed lung infections and post traumatic stress disorder.
"I feel like I'm living in hell," he said. Because of his disabilities, Mr. Sferazo had to stop working last August. He filed for workers' compensation, which he has yet to receive."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yeah, Dumbo needs to save big bucks so he can give kissy-kissy to his bud Abdullah or Kenny-Boy! What a slimeball!
"I'm going to spend a lot of time on Social Security. I enjoy it. I enjoy taking on the issue. I guess, it's the Mother in me."—Guess Who? Washington D.C., April 14, 2005
posted on June 3, 2005 06:48:12 PM new
No surprises here, Tom, bush says one thing in public and then does another behind the scenes.....it's his standard game plan.
posted on June 3, 2005 07:17:29 PM new
Libra, I have to say you are a disgusting moron. I know you've heard it before but I just had to get it off my chest you don't have the sense of a fruit fly. I am so tired of your self righteous and endless prattle that I feel compelled to comment.
Before you accuse me of name calling read your post above.
[ edited by davebraun on Jun 3, 2005 07:20 PM ]
posted on June 3, 2005 07:32:17 PM new
As usual, dave just drops in to call righties not lefties on their actions.
Didn't offend him to see tomwiiii our President 'the cowardly coke-head cowboy'.
Nope...that's okay..and if anyone dares respond....dave's right here to hand out his OWN insults and name calling.
It appears AGAIN, that the ultra left Bush haters can't control their RAGE at not having control of our government. tsk tsk
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on June 3, 2005 07:43:26 PM new
Oh linduh shove off. As usual you CANNOT address the issue but get on your high horse about name calling.
""dave just drops in to call righties not lefties on their actions.""
What an idiotic statement ?
What's this street talk ""to call someone on something"?
Where's the "call on" Vendio rules ?
Or do YOU make the rules.
""Didn't offend him to see tomwiiii our President 'the cowardly coke-head cowboy'.""
It didn't offend me either !
WHY SHOULD IT? It's TRUE?
You apply your feelings of "rage" to us.....linduh you are consumed by rage ...look at all your posts...raging into the night like some psycho who thinks if you hate enough you'll change people's minds.
Just because YOU can't face the truth of the OP doesn't mean we feel rage.
posted on June 3, 2005 07:49:21 PM new
Although the whole country should feel rage when they read things like the OP !
We shouldn't just accept it like the Repugs do.
posted on June 3, 2005 07:50:02 PM newAs usual, dave just drops in to call righties not lefties on their actions.
Linda_k, you keep pissin' and moanin' that everyone should call both sides on their actions when you never do it yourself.
Wouldn't that put them in position of board monitor then? What do you want them to do........ show up every day and decide who is insulting who and then 'call' them on it? Sheesh!
posted on June 3, 2005 07:59:04 PM new
Kiara, linduh dosen't give a damn about name calling...she just wants attention taken away from the OP which shows what a criminal horse's rear end bush is.
posted on June 3, 2005 08:02:19 PM new
LOL...listen to the lefties WHINE...on and on.
It was DAVE who just this week LIED to the posters here when he recommend all put Libra and myself on ignore.
OBVIOULSY to any THINKING, RATIONAL reader...it's quite clear he didn't...hasn't...followed his own advice.
Now children....quit throwing sand and coming to the aid of those who lie and can't control their anger towards other posters.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
edited to add dropped "n't"
[ edited by Linda_K on Jun 3, 2005 08:05 PM ]
posted on June 3, 2005 08:12:14 PM new
Cut the rage, Linda_k........ at least we're not here whining and threatening to tattle to Vendio when things don't go our way.
Hey, what do you think of the topic? Seems like Bush seems to care about the 9/11 rescue worker heroes about as much as he cares about the injured troops, eh?
posted on June 3, 2005 08:14:05 PM new
""It was DAVE who just this week LIED to the posters here when he recommend all put Libra and myself on ignore. "
posted on June 3, 2005 08:14:39 PM new
""It was DAVE who just this week LIED to the posters here when he recommend all put Libra and myself on ignore. "
posted on June 3, 2005 08:15:15 PM new
""It was DAVE who just this week LIED to the posters here when he recommend all put Libra and myself on ignore. "
posted on June 3, 2005 08:23:07 PM new
Precisely why tomwiii rarely ever posts in here. Nice post, Tom. Don't hold Ralphie back!!
Libra - Your comment was uncalled for. And, Linda, what can I say? Same old, same old.
You see when it's even hinted at that this adminsitration is existing on lies and **ck-ups, the irrational raging from the right begins. When you can't explain it away, change the subject.
posted on June 3, 2005 08:29:38 PM new "linduh dosen't give a damn about name calling...she just wants attention taken away from the OP which shows what a criminal horse's rear end bush is."
You hit the nail on the head with that, crowfarm...It's a devious act, just as you suggest to divert attention away from topics that describe the Bush administration as the lying thieves and crooks that they really are.
How scandalous to take away money from the health care funds of firefighters, police officers and construction workers who fought so dilligently during the 9/11 tragedy!
Twenty-one lawmakers from the state, including Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer, want the White House to redirect the money toward health programs for ground zero workers affected with long-term lung problems that might not appear for years.
posted on June 3, 2005 08:32:38 PM new
Libra63
posted on June 3, 2005 08:28:15 PM new
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey davebraun I thought you had me on ignore. I only post what I see..."""
Ya, like you put me on ignore...you should talk , ya old "FOGGIE"
_________________
posted on June 3, 2005 08:34:33 PM new
Cheryl I meant what I said. He posts stupid in the RT. And now he is down here doing the same. I can tell you I never answer Tomwii's stupid Ralphie posts. They most all the time never go along with the thread, but that's okay with you and it is not okay with me so I said it. You seem to say what you want to, or is it a double standard on this board. You can post what you want to and I can't....
Davebraun did say in another thread that he had Linda and I on ignore after he posted to a post one of us made. Now tell me if he has us on ignore how does he know what we post. You call me stupid, what about him.
Read the heading now tell me who is on coke the cowboy or tomwii.....
posted on June 3, 2005 08:38:26 PM new
Libra, take the whining "double standard" dead horse and shove it....you and linduh whine whine whine ....too stupid to address the OP ?
What does Tom's posts in the EO have to do with this OP ?
NOT A Gdam thing !
You stated a million times you had ME on ignore when it was obvious you didn't ...now shut up...you goofy old fool !
[ edited by crowfarm on Jun 3, 2005 08:39 PM ]
[ edited by crowfarm on Jun 3, 2005 08:40 PM ]
posted on June 3, 2005 08:38:50 PM new
Sorry, but I find Tom's heading perfectly appropriate and in-tune with the post. Bush is a coke head. Once a coke head, always a coke head. Just like once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. Bush is cowardly. Where was he during Vietnam? How many trips has he made to Iraq? Blair has made more than one. Yes, the heading fits perfectly.
posted on June 3, 2005 08:43:53 PM new"Gimme back that money, youse greedy coppers & firefighters! Quit yer whinning! Get yer own Daddy to buy ya a Baseball team & shaddup."
"I'm going to spend a lot of time on Social Security. I enjoy it. I enjoy taking on the issue. I guess, it's the Mother in me."—Guess Who? Washington D.C., April 14, 2005
posted on June 3, 2005 08:46:20 PM new
LOL...anyone reading the posts from the lefties can easily see why we can't EVER have a serious discussion about anything. The LEFT won't allow it. Right away it starts with the BS.
And kiara, I like how you ask me to do something you hadn't done to that point. how funny you are.
The left wants their answer....it's in the OPENING post. Can't find it?....that's because of your OWN hatred towards this President....it BLINDS you...and it's eating you up.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on June 3, 2005 09:06:48 PM new
Now read carefully this part of the letter..
Last year, a Congressional report found that the state was sitting on much of that money. Of about $25 million earmarked for volunteer workers, the New York State Workers' Compensation Board had doled out only $456,000. It spent $44 million more to reimburse state agencies for payments to the families of 9/11 victims, and $4.4 million to upgrade its computer system.
More than 10,182 people have filed workers' compensation claims, the report found, but the state refused to say how many had been denied.
Just because a person was at ground zero doesn't make him a candidate for workers compensation. Maybe there are other circumstances. Since we only know one side of the story, as that is always what happens here, you can't make a conclusion.
Bush has nothing to do with the State of New York. Hillary is the senator and she should be doing something for them. Patacke (sp) is the governor. The states run their own government. Isn't that why we elect governors. Physicians decide who gets workmans compensation so cry to them.
Cheryl what a stupid statement you made. Where was he during Vietnam? Well not next to the traitor Kerry.
Bush is not the Secretary of Defense. Rumsfield is and he has made several trips to Vietnam. This is why there is a cabinet so to delegate duties.
Also Cheryl so drug addicts, which Bush isn't, can't be rehabilitated? Don't tell the ones that are that they are not. alcholics can't be rehabilitated?
Tell me how many trips has Blair made to Iraq? Since you keep track of him.
posted on June 4, 2005 04:13:09 AM newso drug addicts, which Bush isn't, can't be rehabilitated?
Huh? Where did I say that??????? Any drug addict or alcoholic will tell you, rehabbed or not they will always be an addict. Being a "coke head" means you do coke and not just occasionally. Doesn't mean you're an addict. Did I use that word, "addict"? No. Again, you are reading into my post what is not there.
Where was Bush during Vietnam? Why, he had a cushy job flying important people around because his rich daddy was able to arrange it. At least Kerry saw combat. Traitor? LOL! You really need to think up your own phrases and stop using those used constantly by others. If protesting the Vietnam war made him a traitor, I'm proud to say I'm one as well and the thousands upon thousands of others that protested it are traitors, too. We bear that badge with honor. The dead students at Kent State were traitors as well then. It figures you'd believe the crap that came from the Swift Boat Veterans.
YOU DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION, LIBRA. How many trips has Bush made to Iraq??????
posted on June 4, 2005 04:20:00 AM newHe posts stupid in the RT. And now he is down here doing the same. I can tell you I never answer Tomwii's stupid Ralphie posts. They most all the time never go along with the thread, but that's okay with you and it is not okay with me so I said it.
And the comments Classic makes here are okay with you? Talk about double standard (def. Double Standard: A phrase used consistently by the Right when they can't explain away events or comments posed to them). Classic does exactly the same thing. But, that's okay because he's a Repug?
posted on June 4, 2005 05:34:40 AM new
Lalalibra says, "Well not next to the traitor Kerry."
No, that would've put him in Vietnam in combat !
Of course he wouldn't be THERE! He was a yellow bellied coward !
Bush is trying to take back the money...."" and a provision in the Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 would reclaim the remaining $125 million""""
"Gimme back that money, youse greedy coppers & firefighters! Quit yer whinning! Get yer own Daddy to buy ya a Baseball team & shaddup."
