9/11 responders urged to register for NY benefits

NEW YORK (AP) -- Elected officials and union activists are urging Sept. 11 responders to sign up for New York worker compensation benefits.

They say that those who worked around the World Trade Center site should enroll with the state Workers Compensation Board.

Next Thursday, the 13th anniversary of the terror attacks, is the deadline to sign up.

The officials said even people who are not sick should register because it preserves their right to get benefits in the future if they do fall ill.

It also is open to workers who live in other states.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler said that "those who have paid such a high price" deserve compensation.

Nadler was joined at Friday's City Hall press conference by representatives of several unions, including DC 37 and the Laborers Local 78.

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