Georgia firefighters sharply rebuked Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday after he vetoed legislation to help them get workers' compensation benefits if they could provide "a preponderance" of evidence that their work caused cancer.

“While paying lip-service to firefighters, Gov. Deal and the cities and counties of this state have turned their backs on Georgia’s firefighters and their families,” said Jim Daws, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia. “They are telling firefighters that if they contract cancer from their jobs protecting the public, that they are strictly on their own.”

Firefighters say they are exposed to carcinogens through the burning of newer materials used in the construction of homes, such as synthetic fibers and plastic.

House Bill 216 proposed to grant workers' compensation benefits to firefighters who have been diagnosed with fire service-related cancers. Firefighters applying for the benefit would have had to demonstrated exposure to a known carcinogen as a result of their occupation.

Otherwise, state law considers cancer an “ordinary disease of life,” disqualifying it from claims.

About the Author

Keep Reading

President Donald Trump speaks at an event to promote his domestic policy and budget agenda in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC