W000047
Tuesday, November 06, 2001 9:32 AM
Rules for Victims Funds
I don't usually respond to requests for public comment, but I do have strong
feelings regarding this issue. The attack has had an impact on all
Americans not just those directly affected by the events of September 11th.
I live in New Jersey and work midtown on the Eastside. Many days can be
stressful with all of the hoaxes and threats.
I agree that the victims should be made whole, not enriched. My opinion for
distribution of funds for the victims of the World Trade Center attack
follows. I am not sure that "victim" has been defined, but it should be
anyone directly affected by the immediate attack. This would include people
who lost their homes, jobs, etc, not just the victims injured or those who
perished in the attack.
* There should be no penalty if a person is beneficiary of an
insurance policy, pension plan, etc. These funds should be outside the
purview of any distribution. Monies they receive from a private disability
plan should reduce the amount they receive from a federal distribution.
* If a victim or a victim's family receives compensation form a
charitable distribution, the amount allocated by federal funds should be
reduced by the charitable contribution.
* Since many low paying workers lost their jobs because of the attack,
they should be compensated for lost wages during the time they seek new
employment. Monies they receive from unemployment insurance should reduce
the amount they receive from a federal distribution. Again, they should be
made whole, not enriched.
* Persons severely injured should be adequately compensated for their
injuries, rehabilitation and long-term care, and potential loss of future
income.
* Funds should be held for future stress claims. I feel that only
claims for stress for those directly affected should be considered as part
of the distribution. Someone who is stressed because of the potential for
another attack or who is afraid to travel to work in another part of the
City should not be compensated.
* Since it is not known, with any certainty, the effect the inhalation
of air in and around the site may have, funds should also be held for any
future medical claims.
* Many children lost one or both parents. A fixed amount, for each
child, could be set up in a trust for college funds. The amount can be
based upon the age of the child within a certain range. Obviously, a
younger child would receive less than a child closer to college age.
Individual Comment
New Jersey