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Health & Fitness

Adinolfi, Zupkus Co-Sponsor Legislation for Sandy Hook Workers & First Responders

State Reps. Lezlye Zupkus and Rep. Al Adinolfi co-sponsored legislation creating a privately-funded pool of money to help educational staff and first-responders suffering from psychological trauma.

HARTFORD — State Reps. Lezlye Zupkus and Al Adinolfi this week co-sponsored bipartisan legislation creating a privately-funded pool of money to help educational staff and first-responders suffering from psychological trauma since the December shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School

The bill, H.B. 6599, was necessary to establish the fund because current law doesn’t allow police officers, firefighters and teachers to receive compensation benefits due to emotional damages.

Some first responders, for example, have had a difficult time returning to work and have been seeking counseling services only to find their sick time or leave benefits were running out. Some are out on leave without pay while they continue to deal with the aftermath of what they saw.

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“People throughout our state, country and the world, for that matter, were looking to help in the aftermath of Newtown, and this new fund gives them an avenue to do that,” Zupkus said. “I wish this weren’t necessary, that this tragedy never happened, but I was proud to support this bill.”

The legislation doesn’t set aside state money. The fund instead collects charitable donations from the public and private sources. Several generous corporate contributions were announced by legislative leaders in a bipartisan news conference before the unanimous House and Senate votes.

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“Based on what we know so far I have no doubt that what the men and women saw at Sandy Hook that day will haunt them for the rest of their lives,” Adinolfi said. “I hope the fund created by the legislation passed here will help aid their recovery, and I know it will certainly give purpose to so many people who are looking to help.”

The state Treasurer will be authorized to accept donations directly, and charitable organizations will also be able to take donations on behalf of the fund. Claims will be administered through The Office of Victim Services.

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Rep. Al Adinolfi represents the 103rd General Assembly District covering parts of Cheshire, Wallingford and Southington. Rep. Lezlye Zupkus represents the 89th General Assembly District covering Bethany, Prospect and parts of Cheshire.

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