Governor Doyle Signs Legislation to Protect Public Service Workers and Their Families

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law two bills that will protect firefighters, police officers and other public service workers and their families. The first bill, Senate Bill 520, requires that municipalities pay health insurance premiums for the families of firefighters who die, or have died, in the line of duty.

“Families of firefighters who have lost their lives shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they’re going to be able to pay their health care bills,” Governor Doyle said. “This bill ensures that these families are protected when their loved ones make the ultimate sacrifice.”

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Hansen and Coggs and Representatives Hraychuck and Turner for their work on the bill.

Governor Doyle also signed into law Senate Bill 429, which establishes that if a firefighter, police officer or other public service worker gets sick or dies from cancer, heart disease or a respiratory impairment, the bill assumes that person’s job duties caused the illness, as long as that person didn’t show any signs of the disease during his or her qualifying medical exam. The bill also ensures that provision is considered when determining health benefits.

“Every day, our fire fighters, police officers and others are walking into situations that could potentially be life threatening,” Governor Doyle said. “That includes contracting dangerous illnesses, and this bill goes further in protecting those workers and their families.”

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Sullivan and Coggs and Representatives Sinicki and Berceau for their work on the bill.