We depend on them to do an important and often dangerous job. For decades, Michigan fire fighters have come to the rescue, putting their lives and health on the line. So why did Action News reporter Ronnie Dahl have to go to Lansing to expose a promise broken to them? And why are a majority of lawmakers in the Michigan Senate now ignoring politics and getting on board to help?
In January of 2015, Governor Rick Snyder signed a bill creating the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. It was a big win for our fire fighters! Michigan would now join 33 other states with this type of work comp fund. Help was on the way. Financial assistance for work-related cancers would now be available. Unfortunately, after a long, hard fought battle, $3 million expected for the bill never got funded.
The president of the fire fighters union was rightfully angry.
“It’s a broken promise to us. We thought our guys were going to be taken care of and they were not.”
- Mark Docherty
But now that Channel 7 has showed up in Lansing, there appears to be a change of heart. Senators are lining up to support funding for the bill. However, the fight isn’t over yet. It would still have to get through the House.
We think this is a no brainer and taxpayer money well spent. When we call for help, firefighters show up without hesitation. It’s now past time for state lawmakers to keep their promise to our first responders. Fund the bill so you can put this firestorm out now!
I’m Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: March 3 - 6, 2016
