Legislative Correspondence_HF 83 adn SF 61February 23, 2009
«CompleteOFFICIALName Address»
Dear Representative «Last»:
House File 83 presumes that cancer is a disease contracted while on active duty
as a firefighter. I urge you to oppose this legislation. Chapter 411 of the Code of
Iowa provides for full pay and benefits to firefighters who incur a job related
illness or injury. City tax payers are also responsible for paying 100% of the
medical costs related to the treatment of a job related illness or injury. Chapter
411 of the Code of Iowa also presumes that heart disease or any disease of the
lungs or respiratory tract is presumed to have been contracted while on active
duty. The current law is comprehensive and does not warrant being expanded to
include cancer as a job related presumption.
Under the current law if a particular cancer can be related to the work performed
by a firefighter, benefits will be provided. Unless and until there is medical
evidence that establishes a causal relationship between a particular form of
cancer and firefighting activities, this legislation should not be enacted.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
February 23, 2009
«CompleteOFFICIALName Address»
Dear Senator «Last»:
Senate File 61 presumes that cancer is a disease contracted while on active duty
as a firefighter. I urge you to oppose this legislation. Chapter 411 of the Code of
Iowa provides for full pay and benefits to firefighters who incur a job related
illness or injury. City tax payers are also responsible for paying 100% of the
medical costs related to the treatment of a job related illness or injury. Chapter
411 of the Code of Iowa also presumes that heart disease or any disease of the
lungs or respiratory tract is presumed to have been contracted while on active
duty. The current law is comprehensive and does not warrant being expanded to
include cancer as a job related presumption.
Under the current law if a particular cancer can be related to the work performed
by a firefighter, benefits will be provided. Unless and until there is medical
evidence that establishes a causal relationship between a particular form of
cancer and firefighting activities, this legislation should not be enacted.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
The Honorable Pat Murphy
Speaker of the House
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Thomas Schueller
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Ray Zirkelbach
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Chuck Isenhart
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Steve Lukan
House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Roger Stewart
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
The Honorable Tom Hancock
Senate Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319