Unsplash (KNSI) – A new bi-partisan bill put forth at the Capitol Thursday would establish supplemental state health assistance for 22,000 Minnesota firefighters. Senator Jeff Howe, a firefighter himself, co-authored the Hometown Heroes Act, establishing a one-time lump sum Critical Care Grant, up to $30,000 per diagnosis for all Minnesota firefighters diagnosed with cancer other cardiac issues. Howe says he, unfortunately, has watched his fellow firefighters suffer and die from cancer and heart disease, adding, “If we don’t take care of the folks we call when we’re in trouble, how can we expect them to be there when we need them? I’m passionate about this subject, and I’m honored to be carrying this bill.”