N002366
Tuesday, January 22, 2002 9:41 PM
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001
January 22, 2002
To Whom It May Concern,
Since September 11th my family and I are faced with dealing with grief we
have never known before. My sister's husband worked for ,
and . He loved his job and looked forward to going to work
daily. Sadly he lost his life in World Trade Tower One. My sister, her
children and our extended family are all trying to accept and cope with the
reality of this situation.
Last Wednesday evening, January 18th, I attended one of
meetings, in order to help my sister better understand the guidelines of the
September 11th Victim's Compensation Fund of 2001. Ken Feinberg, Special
Master of the bureau, was there to speak. Together with my sister we learned
the following:
· The formula that will be used to determine awards does not allow an
"across the board" evaluation of each claim.
· Workmen's Compensation, Social Security, and life insurance awards will
offset the amount given to each family by the fund.
· There is no minimum guaranteed amount yet a cap has been set regarding
maximum amount.
· If families who lost loved ones were not feeling their award was fair
then they have the option to put together a brief as to why they feel their
award should be changed. The burden of proof becomes the responsibility of
each individual family, requiring documentation and legal assistance, in
order to prove their case.
Clearly the plan presents inconsistencies and flaws. Why should these
families, who are going through so much pain and suffering, be expected to
prove the worth of their lost loved one? It is my feeling that this is an
inappropriate challenge. How dare the government increase the pain and
suffering of these families. Families should not be penalized because of
careful future planning which may have included the purchase of life
insurance.
When members of the audience raised concerns and questions, the "special
master" did not always have answers. At times Mr. Feinberg seemed vague.
Some questions he could not answer. He expected grieving families to
entertain his responses by "reading between the lines" and simply trusting
him. How are they to trust a man who exhibited little compassion to their
circumstances?
My greatest concern after hearing the "special master" speak, is that the
federal government is forcing him to keep within the established rules that
have been in place for more "common" disasters. I do not think that you will
find anyone who would disagree that this unique tragedy calls for unique
guidelines. Another presumptive award, that is more typical of the
circumstances, needs to be established. How do you expect families directly
affected by this tragedy, to participate in this program the way it is
presently set up?
I support Cantor's recommendation that has been presented regarding this
situation. I encourage you to find a fair method of compensation for these
families. Due to the actions of these terrorists, we are all suffering.
Please do not make us feel further terrorized by our own government.
On behalf of my sister and all the families who are without loved ones
forever because of this attack, I implore you to look into and take action on
this matter. BR>
I thank you in advance and look forward to a speedy response
and sensible remedy.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment