New ETF Book by Larry Connors - Click here to read more
Following Thursday's release of a report that was critical of the Labor Department's handling of existing claims, Schumer called on officials to remedy processing problems so that former employees of Bethlehem Steel, Linde Ceramics and other local factories can receive a decision on their cases in a timely fashion.
"The one thing our Cold War heroes who were exposed to nuclear radiation don't have is time," Schumer said. "The Department of Labor must put their applications for much-deserved health compensation on the fast track immediately."
Congress passed the Energy Employee Occupational Illness Compensation Act in 2000 to compensate individuals who were sickened as a result of their service in radiation facilities directly managed or financed by the federal government. The Act allowed individuals that handled uranium and other materials at nuclear facilities in the 1940s and 1950s to apply for individual payments of $150,000 and other benefits for medical treatment. Workers who can document their employment history and who have contracted radioactive cancer, beryllium disease or chronic silicosis after working at sites where nuclear weapons work was performed are able to apply for compensation. The workers have long contended that the federal government is purposely delaying the processing of compensation claims to avoid having to pay benefits. While Western New York has one of the highest concentrations of facilities involved in the development of the nation's nuclear weapons program, Schumer says it continues to lag behind in terms of the number of claims processed.
In the report released on Thursday, the Inspector General found no evidence that claims are being inappropriately denied, but did suggest the department has been too slow in its handling of claims. As part of the report, the Inspector General made six recommendations to improve the claims process.
In response, Schumer sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, calling for the department to implement all the recommendations.
"Obviously, for the men and women now ill from exposure to radiation, time is of the essence," Schumer said. "Already, far too many have passed away without receiving compensation for the injuries they sustained in defense of our nation."
Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250
To see more of the Tonawanda News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tonawanda-news.com/. Copyright (c) 2008, Tonawanda News, North Tonawanda, N.Y. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
More News:
Market Updates |
Stock Alerts |
All Trading News |
Stock Index
About TradingMarkets | Contact | Advertise | Careers | Link to Us | Site Map | Help | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Return Policy | Testimonials | Feedback
The Connors Group, Inc. ("Company") is not an investment advisory service, nor a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer and does not purport to tell or suggest which securities or currencies customers should buy or sell for themselves. The analysts and employees or affiliates of Company may hold positions in the stocks, currencies or industries discussed here. You understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities and/or currencies. The Company, the authors, the publisher, and all affiliates of Company assume no responsibility or liability for your trading and investment results. Factual statements on the Company's website, or in its publications, are made as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice.
It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable or that they will not result in losses. Past results of any individual trader or trading system published by Company are not indicative of future returns by that trader or system, and are not indicative of future returns which be realized by you. In addition, the indicators, strategies, columns, articles and all other features of Company's products (collectively, the "Information") are provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Examples presented on Company's website are for educational purposes only. Such set-ups are not solicitations of any order to buy or sell. Accordingly, you should not rely solely on the Information in making any investment. Rather, you should use the Information only as a starting point for doing additional independent research in order to allow you to form your own opinion regarding investments. You should always check with your licensed financial advisor and tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment.
HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN INHERENT LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING AND MAY NOT BE IMPACTED BY BROKERAGE AND OTHER SLIPPAGE FEES. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT ACTUALLY BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER- OR OVER-COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN.
The Connors Group, Inc.
15260 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 2200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
© Copyright 2009 The Connors Group, Inc.
