A Senate bill would give financial assistance to police and firefighters who are catastrophically injured during a targeted attack in the line of duty. The proposal comes as East Baton Rouge Deputy Nick Tullier continues to recover from the ambush on Baton Rouge police last July. His mother, Mary Tullier, spoke before the Senate Finance committee.

“I’m tired, but most of all I’m tired seeing Nick struggle from day to day,” Tullier said.

Mary says Nick is worried about his medical bills, and with his father being retired, it’s unclear how the bills will get paid. Some agencies require officers to have health insurance, but after a year of being off work for an injury, that coverage ceases. She says police officers don’t make enough money to cover this kind of unexpected expense, and this is the least we can do for those who protect and serve us.

“Most police officers get a base pay, and to really make a good living, they have to work extra duty. So it’s not an easy life, but it’s one that these guys choose to protect us,” Tullier said.

Senate Finance is expected to vote on the bill this week, and then it will head to the Senate floor. It will need House approval as well.

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