MADISON, WI…An initiative championed by State Sen. André Jacque (New Franken) to extend Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) coverage for volunteer and part time firefighters and other emergency medical personnel unanimously passed the Assembly Committee on Workforce Development, Labor and Integrated Employment unanimously yesterday as part of a comprehensive workers compensation package.
“Responding to a horrific accident or medical emergency can result in long term trauma for those involved,” said Jacque. “The community heroes responding to the scene of an accident or dealing with its aftereffects, all deserve our support.”
Two sessions ago, Wisconsin enacted 2021 Act 29, authored by Sen. Jacque, to provide PTSD workers compensation coverage for law enforcement and full-time firefighters. In the time since, Jacque has authored and pushed for legislation to extend PTSD workers compensation coverage to emergency medical responders, EMS practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, coroners, and medical examiners and their staff.
“PTSD coverage granted under Act 29 has already been implemented without significant financial impact, and is expected to significantly aid in workforce retention,” said Jacque. “I believe the success of this law justifies extending coverage to all emergency responders.”
Jacque’s initiative was incorporated into a comprehensive plan introduced last November as Assembly Bill 651/Senate Bill 676. The legislation was developed as a result of deliberations between a broad range of interests, including Wisconsin Manufacturers and the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. It currently has the support of the Wisconsin EMS Association, Wisconsin State Firefighter’s Association, the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance and many other groups.
“This legislation is about fairness,” said Jacque. “The heroes within our communities who have given of themselves and need healing because of their service deserve our support, and I hope to see AB 651 quickly move to the governor’s desk.”
Sen. Jacque will be testifying on the Senate version of the bill, SB 676, later today in the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
