South Queens, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato passed her bill, A.8655, to provide a cost of living (COLA) increase for the family members of governmental employees who were killed in the line of duty. The bill, known as “The Widows COLA Bill,” will increase the special accidental death benefit (SADB) for dependents and family members by 3%. In NYC, this impacts the families of fallen members of the NYPD, FDNY, along with the Department of Sanitation, Housing Authority, Transit Authority, Department of Correction, Health and Hospitals Corporation, or Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority who will see their SADB increase effective early July. The Assemblywoman’s work is expected to help over 1,430 families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

In addition, due to Pheffer Amato’s work, SADB will continue to be paid to the child of a fallen governmental employee until they are 18 years old, or 23 years old if a student.

“We can never repay the debt of gratitude our State and City have for the incredible sacrifice these men and women made. To their families, this increase is a token of our continued appreciation and I hope it will provide some financial relief,” said the Assemblywoman. “They embodied the best of the New York spirit and their memory is alive forever in our hearts, and in the hearts of every New Yorker,” noted Pheffer Amato.

With A.8655 passing the State Assembly and Senate (S.6641, Gounardes), it now awaits the signing of the Governor.