A new bill which helps pay for treatment for occupational cancer for first responders was signed last week by Governor Phil Bryant.
The author of the bill, Senator Joel Carter of Harrison County, says getting the bill to the Governor’s desk was a battle and the fight is not over. Carter said during the session, the bill died at least seven times, then it had to survive two Senate and two House committees.
The bill was inspired by Carter’s friend, Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan, who was diagnosed with lymphoma last year. The bill, in its current form, does not assist those previously diagnosed with cancer. Carter hopes to eventually get that changed.
