LANSING (WKZO-AM) — A late addition to the Michigan House Budget Bill could be just what the doctor ordered for Michigan firefighters.
Rep. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, convinced the House Appropriations Committee to allocate $3 million annually to Michigan’s First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund.
It was set up two years ago to help firefighters who contract cancer because of their profession, but he says no money has ever been allocated to the fund.
Pennfield Township Firefighter Dave Carney died Tuesday after a long struggle with the disease and with funding treatment.
Bizon, a doctor, said 60 percent of career firefighters die from cancer.
The budget bill goes to the full house next week. The amendment must still survive scrutiny by the full House and Senate.
