The Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund has been approved unanimously by both the State House and Senate. The privately funded program will help first responders, teachers and others traumatized by the shooting at the Elementary School.
Newtown Representative DebraLee Hovey says teachers and first responders will continue to remember the things they experienced and saw for the rest of their lives. She says it's something the rest of us will never understand.
Several hundred thousand dollars has already been pledged by corporations. WWE, AT&T and Northeast Utilities are among the donors so far. The public can also contribute to the fund to help an estimated 150 to 200 people.
Hovey says the men and women who put their emotions aside and did such a difficult job in a time of crisis deserve the support this legislation provides.
The Office of Victim Services must begin accepting applications for benefits by April 1st. Benefit payments will end on August 31st 2015. The bill limits each claimant to a total of 52 weeks of benefits.
Eligible claimants can receive financial assistance for uncompensated leave from their employment if the mental or emotional impairment caused a total or partial disability preventing them from working. They can also receive payments for related medical expenses that are not covered by their own health insurance.
