First Responders

I believe that that we must protect those who protect us. Fire fighters, police officers, and other first responders spend their lives saving Americans and keeping us safe. It is unconscionable, then, that George Bush and the Republicans in Congress have spent the six years since 9/11 ignoring the professional and personal needs of first responders and trying to under-fund and eliminate the very programs that keep us safe.

When I am President, that will change.

Bridge the 'Health Care Gap' for Retired Professional Fire Fighters and Police Officers

Too many retired fire fighters and police officers fall into the "health care gap," where they don't have good health insurance during the years between when they retire and when they become eligible for Medicare. Under my plan, the federal government will partner 50-50 with the states to ensure that none of our heroes ever have to struggle to meet their health care needs.

Institute Collective Bargaining for Our Nation's Essential Public Employees

As President, I will sign the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act. This act will institute collective bargaining for public safety employees, including fire fighters and police officers. Collective bargaining isn't a privilege. It's a right.

Sign the Employee Free Choice Act and Revive Card-Check Recognition

Workers must be free to unionize without fear of intimidation or harassment. We must also have Fair Share legislation so that there are no free riders. I've done these things for New Mexico's public employees, and I can do them for the whole nation.

Sign the Federal Fire Fighter Fairness Act

Studies show what we already know: fire fighters are far more likely than other Americans to develop heart disease, lung disease, certain cancers, and certain infectious diseases due to the inherent risks and toxins related to their jobs. This legislation will create a "rebuttable presumption" that these illnesses were contracted on the job so that our heroes won't have to struggle in court to receive the compensation they're due.

Repair the Workers’ Compensation System for First Responders

Ailments such as back pain, trouble with muscles, bones, and joints, smoke inhalation, and burns are common to the physically demanding jobs of many first responders. It is a disgrace that fire fighters must jump through legal hoops to receive the compensation for injuries that we all know they suffered on the job.

Establish a National Fire Fighters' Survivors Fund

I will establish a National Fire Fighters' Survivors Fund-modeled after New Mexico's own Fire Fighters' Survivors Fund-that will match state money to increase payment to the surviving spouse, children, or family members of any fire fighter who falls in the line of duty.

Restore Homeland Security Funding for First Responders

Since 9/11, George Bush has dangerously attempted, year after year, to cut needed homeland security funds. Most recently, his 2008 budget sought to eliminate or cut in half many of the most needed programs, including ones for equipment and personnel. This is an outrage, and when I am President, it will change.

Sign the 9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act

Too many of our heroes of 9/11 have fallen physically or mentally ill in the years since. This act will provide funding for the monitoring and treatment of these 9/11-related illnesses. We must honor that day with more than words.

The Bottom Line

I have worked hard to protect first responders in New Mexico, and when I am President, they will be protected across the country. It is the least we can do for those who have done so much for us.