Canty Recognized by Fire Fighters for Law Improving Healthcare for Injured First Responders

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) are recognizing state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, for a bipartisan measure she spearheaded to improve health and survivor benefits for first responders injured or killed in the line of duty.

“The risks taken and sacrifices made by first responders and other public safety employees to keep our community safe deserve to be met by more than our gratitude, they must be met with
our support,” Canty said. “When the men and women who work to keep us safe face consequences of that dangerous work, it not only impacts them, it impacts their families. This measure will ensure affordable healthcare for public safety employees when they are seriously injured, as well as their families in the tragic event of their death.”

First responders are applauding Canty for leading the effort to pass House Bill 3249, which expands healthcare offerings for public safety workers. Under state law, fire fighters, police officers, and other emergency responders severely injured on the job are eligible to receive lifetime health insurance, as are surviving spouses and children of those killed in the line of duty. However, some communities have offered only low-quality, high-cost plans. Canty’s legislation, which became law last year, ensures these injured first responders have access to the same insurance offerings available to active-duty employees.

“The public safety of our community will always be a priority, and I so appreciate AFFI’s generous recognition,” Canty said. “As long as I’m in Springfield, I will continue to fight to make sure our first responders and those who perform such substantial services to this community get the assistance they deserve.”