Firefighters Hot Over Governor's Veto of Cancer Presumption Bill

Thursday, December 1, 2016 | 0

The Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia are calling on its members to contact state lawmakers and urge them to overturn Gov. Nathan Deal’s May 3 veto of a cancer presumption bill.

Gov. Nathan Deal

House Bill 216 passed both chambers last March 24 by more than the two-thirds majority that would be required to overturn Deal’s veto after the legislature convenes Jan. 9, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

House Bill 216 would have helped firefighters to get workers’ compensation benefits if they could provide a “preponderance” of evidence that their work caused cancer. They maintain they are exposed to carcinogens through new materials, such as synthetic fibers and plastic, used to build new homes, the news service reported.

Deal questioned whether firefighter cancer was a big enough problem to require the legislation, and said he was concerned about the potential cost to local and state governments, McClatchy said.