SPRINGFIELD – Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza was honored by the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, (AFFI) for her courage in standing up for our first responders, and advocating for those hurting due to the two-year-long budget impasse.
The AFFI used the occasion of the annual Firefighters Memorial Day May 9 to commemorate Comptroller Mendoza for her efforts to force the governor to present a balanced budget per the constitution. Due to the state’s lack of budget, families of fallen firefighters have been subjected to excruciating delays for the money promised to them by the state per the Compensation Act as amended in 1995.
“Families who are entitled to a $351,383 payment under the state’s Line of Duty Death Compensation Act have been subjected to a cruel and heartless delay”, AFFI President Pat Devaney.
The President of AFFI, Pat Devaney, accompanied by members of the Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2 awarded Comptroller Mendoza with the fraternal firefighter organization pin for her dedication to first responders and their families.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the AFFI. I deeply appreciate the service of our firefighters,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “I often say that I have a bit of a firefighter complex because I choose to run towards the fire instead of away from it. Springfield is for all intents and purposes ‘on fire’ and I'm trying my best to put out the flames lit by this reckless governor; help save as many people, social services, substance abuse centers, and schools as possible; and get out without getting engulfed in the flames myself,” she added. “I will continue being a fierce advocate for people and for a state budget that properly supports the families of our fallen heroes, Comptroller Mendoza said.”
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AFFI Release: http://www.affi-iaff.org/index.cfm?pageNum=78