Senator Jeff Howe Co-Authors Bill to Help Minnesota Firefighters

(KNSI) – A new bi-partisan bill put forth at the Capitol Thursday would establish supplemental state health assistance for 22,000 Minnesota firefighters.

Senator Jeff Howe, a firefighter himself, co-authored the Hometown Heroes Act, establishing a one-time lump sum Critical Care Grant, up to $30,000 per diagnosis for all Minnesota firefighters diagnosed with cancer other cardiac issues.

Howe says he, unfortunately, has watched his fellow firefighters suffer and die from cancer and heart disease, adding, “If we don’t take care of the folks we call when we’re in trouble, how can we expect them to be there when we need them? I’m passionate about this subject, and I’m honored to be carrying this bill.”

Chief Author of the legislation, Representative Cheryl Youakim, says that firefighters are asked to do a job many of us are unable or unwilling to do, and they do it without hesitation. She says they face things like cardiac issues, cancer, and emotional trauma at higher rates than the rest of the population, and “we need to have their backs.”

Jen Frantz lost her husband, Matt Frantz, in a line of duty death from a heart attack. Matt Frantz served as Fire Chief for the Rice Lake Fire Department. Jen says losing her husband showed her firsthand how much the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program is needed. She says she doesn’t want anyone to experience what she has and urged lawmakers to pass this bill swiftly in 2021.

The Hometown Heroes Act would create an Employee Assistance Program for firefighters facing emotional trauma unique to their occupation. A bill passed in 2020 allowed for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder to qualify as work-related illnesses so those who are suffering can get help through a workers compensation claim.

The grant will also be used for ongoing annual MnFIRE Awareness training for every Minnesota firefighter. The training helps firefighters become aware of occupational health risks.