Klobuchar Helps Pass Protecting America’s First Responders Act

(KNSI) – Senator Amy Klobuchar was at the White House Thursday for the signing of the Protecting America’s First Responders Act. This legislation will help first responders who are disabled or killed in the line of duty and their families receive compensation.

“Our first responders put themselves at risk every day to keep our communities safe, and we must provide those who are injured or killed and the families of our fallen heroes with the benefits they deserve,” said Klobuchar. “This bill will ensure they are compensated in a timely manner so they can get the care they need. I was proud to attend the White House signing ceremony for this legislation.”

The Protecting America’s First Responders Act, which Klobuchar introduced alongside Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) will improve the PSOB program by:

* Requiring that the disability or death benefits award amount is based on the date of the adjudication rather than the date of the injury. This would account for increases in the cost of living that may occur during lengthy adjudication periods.

* Updating the PSOB program’s definition of “disability” to ensure that officers who are permanently unable to find gainful employment following a catastrophic injury in the line of duty can remain eligible for benefits.

*Ensuring that applicants who have been denied benefits in the past three years as a result of the current standards could be able to re-apply using the updated definition.

*Guaranteeing retroactive education assistance for eligible survivors who pay out-of-pocket education expenses while awaiting the adjudication of a claim.

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