On October 17, 2023, the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions held a public hearing To discuss retention and recruitment for civil service jobs in New York State, the New York State pension fund, pensions, and civil service benefits.

What you’re about to hear is excerpts of this public hearing including opening remarks from Chair of the committee, Senator Robert Jackson as well as Testimony from Oren Barzilay president of FDNY EMS Local 2507 on the low wages and low retention rates for Paramedics and EMTs followed by a Q&A.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees, the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the law firm of Barasch & McGarry– leading advocates for the 9/11 community – came together for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

In this episode we hear from Michael Barasch, the final speaker of this event. Michael Barasch is the founder and managing partner of Barasch and McGarry and he is an outspoken legal advocate for the 9/11 community.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees joined the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the law firm of Barasch & McGarry – leading advocates for the 9/11 community – for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

Lila Nordstrom was a high school senior when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11 and now she is an advocate for 9/11 victims, particularly the youngest amongst them. She has appeared in front of Congress alongside Jon Stewart advocating for Healthcare for 9/11 victims and she was a speaker at the event that day. Here’s what she had to say.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees, the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the law firm of Barasch & McGarry – leading advocates for the 9/11 community –came together for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

In this episode, we’re continuing to showcase the speakers from this Health Event. This next speaker is Partner and Managing Attorney for Barasch and McGarry’s 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, Lee London.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees, the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the law firm of Barasch & McGarry – leading advocates for the 9/11 community – came together for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

In this episode we highlight Richie Alles, Retired New York Fire Department Chief, 9/11 Advocate, and Director of 9/11 Community Affairs at Barasch & McGarry.

In the last 20 years since the attacks on New York on 9/11 many have retired from their jobs and moved on from the city. Those retirees are now all over the country and may have no idea that they are eligible for these programs. This episode you will hear from Edward Stone, attorney, and executive director of the Retirees for Justice Group.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees, the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the Law Firm of Barasch & McGarry– leading advocates for the 9/11 community–  came together for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

One of the speakers at this event was Ken Muller, who was Vice President of Goldman Sachs on 9/11. Now retired, Ken was on his way to work when the first tower was struck. Here’s what he had to say.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees, the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the law firm of Barasch & McGarry– leading advocates for the 9/11 community – came together for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

One of the speakers on that day was Laura Mooney, a 9/11 Advocate who founded the Staten Island Multiple Myeloma Support Group after her husband was diagnosed with the condition. Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer that can be hard to catch. Here is Laura Mooney with her journey.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees joined the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the Law Firm of Barasch & McGarry– leading advocates for the 9/11 community – for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

One of the speakers at this event was John Feal, who participated in the cleanup process following the attacks and sustained injuries in an accident that led to the loss of his foot. In the years since, he’s been advocating for 9/11 victims’ healthcare rights, founding the FealGood Foundation, and making multiple trips to Congress to speak on behalf of the survivors and first responders who were living and working during that time.

On September 9th, 2021 – nearly 20 years to the day of September 11th, 2001 – 700 attendees joined the New York Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers, and the Law Firm of Barasch & McGarry– leading advocates for the 9/11 community – for an event to bring awareness to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program.

The first speaker at the event was Ellie Engler, she is the Director of Staff at the United Federation of Teachers and worked as an industrial hygienist for the schools in the aftermath of the attacks. Here is her 9/11 story.