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ALBANY, NY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday that state and local governments would provide death benefits for the families of frontline workers killed by COVID-19, per his office.
While details are still being worked out, the governor specifically listed transit employees, emergency responders, and public healthcare workers as people working in frontline fields. “The people who showed up,” he offered.
Photo credit: Office of the Governor
“There’s not a transit worker who drove a bus, who conducted a train, or a nurse who didn’t walk into a nursing room that wasn’t scared to death,” Cuomo continued. “It was enough to shut down society.”
Death benefits provide a percentage of funeral expenses as well as 66% of the deceased employee’s salary, either to a spouse (until they remarry), children, or certain other surviving family members. The money will be provided by government pension funds.
Governor Cuomo’s announcement comes a week after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio publicly lobbied the state to provide line-of-duty benefits for government employees who died as a result of COVID-19.
DISCLAIMER: This is one in a series of articles provided by Finz & Finz, P.C., to help keep our fellow New Yorkers informed during this crisis. It is not offered as legal advice. However, if someone you love has lost their life due to COVID-19 and you believe you may be entitled to compensation that you have not received, we would like to discuss your case with you. Contact us today to speak with one of our compassionate New York coronavirus attorneys.
