Two bills have been signed into law to support First Responders and their children in Michigan.
House Bill 4172 was signed into law last week to allow for current and former firefighters to be covered for certain cancers under the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. This includes full-time, part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “We owe our state’s firefighters endless thanks for their selfless acts of service.”
Republican Jeff Yaroch of Richmond sponsored the bill. Yaroch said, “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us – that’s why it’s important we ensure they’re taken care of when their work leads to injury and illness.”
Yaroch said he appreciates the bipartisan support for taking care of firefighters.
House Bill 4247 was also signed into law to streamline the Survivor Tuition Grant tuition assistance programs for children of fallen officers. The law removes the need to prove financial need.
Sponsor Matt Koleszar, a Plymouth Democrat, said, “With this action, we’re honoring the memories of all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice by honoring their commitments to their families after they pass.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
