Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) joined his colleagues in support of the “Joseph Fletcher Act,” which aims to allow those who were denied or missed the deadline for benefits and perished from COVID-19 to receive compensation claim benefits. Assemblyman Michael Durso (Massapequa Park) and Sen. Steven Rhoads held a press conference on their proposal to restore fairness for the fallen frontline heroes of COVID-19. During the pandemic, over 6,600 essential service workers, such as construction workers and cashiers, lost their lives after contracting the virus while performing their work duties. Only 16% of the workers' families knew of the compensation services and were able to receive benefits.

“We can never forget those who sacrificed their lives, especially when the state relied on service workers to keep things running smoothly,” said Blanknbush. “The filing process for workers' compensation can be confusing and convoluted. This proposal would rectify the tough choices families had to make and extend the timeframe for those afflicted to be made aware so they can rightfully claim their benefits. Every worker lost deserves to be recognized and every family deserves their closure.”