A bill that’s won approval in the Iowa Senate would make firefighters and police officers in Iowa’s municipal retirement system as well as state troopers eligible for accidental disability and death benefits if they’re diagnosed with any form of cancer.
The proposal, in slightly a different form, passed the House last year and again last month. Joe Van Haalen, president of the Des Moines firefighters’ union, said there’s a great deal of relief now that it’s passed the Senate on a 46-1 vote.
“A lot of hard work went into it and a lot of pride. Proud of our folks for stepping up,” Van Haalen said. “There’s just been an incredible effort by so many people to get this over the finish line.”…