Snyder Signs Law To Help Firefighters Who Get Cancer On Job

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation to help firefighters who develop cancer on the job, but says he's concerned the measure lacks funding.

The law amends the workers' compensation law to cover firefighters with cancer who've been working at least five years and who've been exposed to harmful toxins on the job.

Snyder signed the bill last week, saying it recognizes health risks that firefighters face. He asked lawmakers to identify a stable revenue source to pay for the aid.

Until now, firefighters haven't been covered by workers' compensation unless they definitively prove their illness came from on-the-job exposure to carcinogens.

Snyder's worried that without a funding mechanism, the system becomes first come, first serve. He suggests a potential assessment on workers' compensation carriers or using money from fireworks sales.
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