|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Jennifer L. Mann |
|
|
|
|
Mann: Families of first responders killed in the line of duty deserve benefits
HARRISBURG, May 26 – State Rep. Jennifer L. Mann, D-Lehigh, today announced the introduction of legislation that would directly pay benefits of up to $250,000 to the families of a first responder killed in the line of duty.
"Police officers, firefighters and rescue personnel put their lives on the line to protect lives and property and, far too often, those responders make the ultimate sacrifice and their loved ones are left behind," Mann said. "I believe that we have a responsibility to provide these individuals who so selflessly serve their communities with peace-of-mind that their families will be provided for if tragedy happens."
Mann’s legislation would amend the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to directly pay benefits from the state to the surviving spouses, minor children, or parents of the deceased and increase the benefit amount to $250,000 from the current $113,347. Currently, state law requires the benefit to be paid to the municipality for which the responder worked for, and the municipality then makes payment to the beneficiaries.
"When first responder’s families are dealing with the loss and shock the last thing we need to do is add a middleman, and the current benefit has proven inadequate to provide for the families of those who have fallen in the line of duty," Mann said.
Mann’s legislation would go to the House Emergency Preparedness and Veterans Affairs Committee for study and public hearings.
###