Zupkus Supports Fund for Sandy Hook Workers and First Responders

HARTFORD — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus today co-sponsored legislation to establish a privately-funded pool of money to benefit the public safety personnel, teachers, and emergency workers who have been affected by psychological trauma since the December shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

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.

“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 any state funding, and 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 vote.

The bill received unanimous support in the state’s House of Representatives.

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.