Conn. considers workers' comp for first responders

Associated Press

STEPHEN SINGER, Associated Press

Updated: Jan 19, 2013 1:11 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Post-traumatic stress was so great for some first responders in Newtown that Connecticut lawmakers are considering expanding workers' compensation to help emergency workers cope.

State Sen. Cathy Osten (AW'-stun) is the chairwoman of the Labor Committee, which will introduce the legislation. She says workers' comp should help heal psychological and emotional trauma in addition to physical injuries.

Newtown police have asked that state law be changed to help those who suffered physical and emotional trauma when they arrived at Sandy Hook Elementary minutes after a gunman killed 20 children and six educators last month.

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association says a recent 7.1 percent rise in workers' compensation is worrying. But extending workers' compensation to first responders would not affect business costs because police, firefighters and others are covered by municipal insurance.

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