State props up nuke-worker aid

SANTA FE (AP) - New Mexico has found a way to prop up a program that helps former uranium miners, national laboratory employees and others suffering from illnesses related to radioactive exposure as they pursue claims from the federal government.

Gov. Bill Richardson has signed into law legislation that provides a dedicated funding source for the New Mexico Office of Nuclear Worker Advocacy so it can continue helping workers through the claims process.

The state office is the only one of its kind in the country.

The legislation allows for a fee of one-half of 1 percent for successful claims filed through the office and a 5 percent fee in successful appeal cases. The fees are expected to generate about $110,000 annually.

The office has helped more than 300 claimants since 2007.