TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Despite concerns that it wouldn't make it to the floor, the firefighter cancer bill has passed in a Florida House committee.
House Bill 857, sponsored by Republican Chris Latvala of Clearwater, would cover firefighters who develop 21 different types of cancer and has more than 80 representatives co-sponsoring it.
After about an hour and a half of testimony from 10 speakers who testified, it passed unanimously in the Florida House Committee on State Affairs Thursday morning.
The Florida League of Cities testified it has concerns because of the fiscal impact.
"The debate this year, as in past years, was never against firefighters nor was it political. It was the legislature that supported the funding to establish the proper need to begin with," Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the debate became about whether we support our firefighter - of course, we do. And it became about whether it was political - of course, it wasn't.
"Still, the environment has become too toxic to debate the true original disagreement," he said. "As such, we will move legislation forward, more so as the differences are not so great as to invite the assumptions now being spread."
The bill will now go to the floor where it will again need to reach a vote to be passed.
Rep. Blaise Ingoglia (R) of Spring Hill released the following statement:
“This morning, I had the absolute honor to carry a bill of great importance to our state in the House State Affairs Committee— the Firefighter Cancer bill. I can assure you that contrary to what has been reported, our firefighters and first responders are a priority to House leadership and Speaker Oliva."
“For years, I have been an advocate for our first responders, helping to fund cancer research money for firefighters and championing legislation for workers comp benefits for those suffering from PTSD. When presented with the opportunity to carry this bill, it wasn’t a no…it wasn’t a yes. It was a hell yes because firefighters are the lifeline of our communities, and they deserve to know their bravery and sacrifice is never in vain."
“I want to thank all the firefighters and first responders for your service and selflessness, and I commend Speaker Oliva for his continued leadership on this very important issue."
You can watch the complete testimony here:
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