The US Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to accept and process claims and has approved many claims so far. I am so glad to report that many people have already received their $100,000.00! What great news. I keep reminding people that this program has the potential to bring back hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation to the people of New Mexico who so deserve it!

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 The DOJ is only accepting mail in claims at this time and while we were skeptical of this process in the beginning we are glad to say that it is working.  If you are ready to file your claim we so see no reason why you should wait. They have indicated that an electronic process will be implemented by the end of the year.  For more information you can go to the DOJ website at: https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca

Please take care when supplying documentation via the regular mail. If you decide to file this way you need to send the documents via certified mail, return receipt. We will keep people posted about the electronic process and spread the word once we know it has started.

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There are organizations/attorneys who are soliciting people to use their services to file claims. They use all sorts of tactics to get people to believe their services are necessary and often guarantee results. Please do not turn over your records to anyone that you are not sure about. Also, be aware that if an entity files a RECA claim on your behalf they will charge a fee and it could amount to 10% of your total claim. They receive the check, deduct their fee, and then pay you.

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The TBDC us working with the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) clinic at UNM to maximize their assistance with the claims process. We’ve also trained people to assist with the application process when needed. We’re also looking to government agencies to cooperate in locating necessary documentation for the application process.

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We are currently working with a group of State Legislators to encourage the New Mexico Tumor Registry to be forthcoming with the files they keep on behalf of the people of New Mexico. We should be given access to those records so that we can verify that the Tumor Registry is reporting accurately on our cases. You can remain updated about the application process, by going to our website at: www.trinitydownwinders.com

You can also view our training video at RECA TRAINING VIDEO.

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We need help! If you are interested in becoming one of our volunteers to help others apply for the compensation please contact us at tcordova@queston.net to sign up. We promise not to overburden you and imagine the satisfaction that will come from helping one of your neighbors receive the compensation they deserve!

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What does the expansion of RECA do?  

• The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act program has been re-authorized and extended through Dec 31, 2028 but the application deadline is Dec 31, 2027.

• Downwinders who lived in New Mexico for one year from 1944 through Nov. 1962 will be eligible and family members can apply on behalf of a deceased loved one.

• There are 19 cancers that are covered by the expansion. The cancers covered are: 

  • Leukemia (except chronic lymphocytic Leukemia); Lymphoma (other than Hodgkins); Primary cancers of the Thyroid, Breast, Esophagus, Stomach, Pharynx, Small Intestine, Pancreas, Bile Duct, Gall Bladder, Salivary Gland, Urinary, Bladder, Brain, Colon, Ovary, Liver (unless cirrhosis/Hepatitis B present), and Lung. 

• Compensation for downwinders will be increased to $100,000 and Downwind coverage is expanded to cover the entire state of New Mexico 

• Coverage for uranium miners and workers would be expanded: 

  • To workers through Dec. 31, 1990 

  • To core drillers and remediation workers 

  • To cover additional kidney disease for uranium miners 

  • To allow for combined work histories 

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What does this mean?

This is the biggest expansion of RECA in the history of the program and it wouldn’t have happened without the tireless advocacy of Senator Lujan, Representative Leger Fernandez, Senator Heinrich, Representative Stansbury and Representative Vasquez.

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While it is a significant win, it still leaves out many impacted communities, including the parts of Nevada and Arizona not previously covered, along with Montana, Colorado, and Guam.  

The 2-year extension will likely not be adequate time to get all the people in New Mexico who qualify enrolled and this bill does not have health care benefits for Downwinders. We will continue to fight for a longer extension, the addition of cancers that are not covered, and the addition of healthcare benefits. This is an important first step because it reinstates the program keeping it operational so people can continue to apply for benefits and get the help they need, and it shows that expansion is possible and provides an opportunity to address concerns raised about the cost of expansion. 

We are grateful for the win and consider this a big step in the right direction. Stay tuned for updates and many thanks to all of you who have stood together with us in this fight!