By State Rep. Dan Flynn
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas 9 years ago our freedom our view of the world & our way of life was deliberately attacked with tremendous loss of life. As such Governor Perry has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Saturday Sept. 11 2010. Those who died were citizens innocent victims of an attack set to shake our moral foundations. It didnt work.
And as 9/11 approaches once again we honor the memory of our friends neighbors and the memory of the many who risked their lives to save others.
None of us will be able to forget the thought of that tragic day but we can honor their memory and continue to honor the brave sacrifices of our men and women in the military fire police services and many others as they strive to protect and defend freedom for all.
The United States Congress has established every September 11th as Patriot Day.
State and local governments have been asked to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities in remembrance of the events of September 11 2001.
Governor Perry has directed that all Texas and United States flags be flown at half-staff at the state Capitol Building and in the Capitol Complex the Governors
Mansion and upon all state and public buildings grounds and facilities throughout the state on Saturday September 11 2010 in observance of Patriots Day.
All Texas and United States flags should be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all Texas offices and facilities abroad.
University and college administrators should note that this order includes flags displayed at football stadiums this Saturday.
Individuals businesses municipalities counties and other political subdivisions are encouraged to fly their Texas and United States flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect for the innocent victims who lost their lives that day.
If you were injured in the 9/11 attack we pass this information from the Center for Domestic Preparedness on the September deadlines for submitting paperwork for two 9/11-related benefits:
1. September 13 2010: New York State Workers Compensation: Protect your right to future claims by filing a WTC-12 form.
State law allows 9/11 responders and volunteers to preserve the right to file for 9/11-related Workers Compensation benefits for the rest of their lives by filing a WTC-12 form.
Register now if you did rescue recovery or cleanup work either as a volunteer or for pay between September 11 2001 and September 12 2002. You can find the
form at
www.wtc12.org.
The WTC-12 form must be received by the Workers Compensation Board by September 13 2010.
Please note that filing this form is not the same as filing a Workers Compensation claim.
2. September 11 2010: NYS and NYC Public Sector Pensions: WTC Disability Presumption: If you were a New York State or City employee who participated in the WTC rescue recovery and clean-up effort between Sept. 11 2001 and Sept. 12 2002 you may be covered by the World Trade Center Presumption Law.
The law presumes that certain health conditions were caused by WTC exposures and entitles certain state and city employees to an accidental disability pension if they become permanently disabled due to those conditions.
To qualify for the presumption public sector employees must submit a WTC-related Notice of Participation with their retirement systems by September 11 2010.
For more information see links below and contact your unions benefits office or your WTCMMTP Clinical Center.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/employees/workcomp.shtml#2
http://www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/publications/world_trade_center/index.htm
Questions on flag-flying procedure should be directed to: Gregory Scott Davidson Executive Clerk & Director of Constituent Communication Division Office of the Governor; P.O. Box 12428; Capitol Station; Austin Texas 78711 (512)463-1800.
It remains my pleasure and honor to represent all the people of House District 2. You have heard me say many times government is run by those that show up". We must show up or we will enn up with a government we do not recognize or want.
My staff and I continue to welcome your input and your questions. Feel free to contact me: P. O. Box 2910 Austin TX 78768. Email
District2.Flynn@house.state.tx.us. Toll free number 1-800-734-9515.
May God bless you and our great State of Texas.
State Representative Dan Flynn of Hunt Texas serves in House District 2 covering Rains & Van Zandt Counties.
