Genesis Villella, daughter of slain NYPD officer Miosotis Familia, has achieved a significant legislative victory as the NYC Council passed a home rule resolution on June 11. This resolution ends the discriminatory policy that denied her access to her mother's death benefits as a non-spouse relative. Vilaella, who legally adopted her younger siblings after her mother's death, expressed gratitude towards the council for this long-overdue recognition. The resolution marks a critical step towards ensuring pension benefits are available for children of fallen NYPD officers, addressing legal gaps in support for surviving family members.
For years, the city my mom grew up in, loved, and protected didn't love her back. In fact, it tried to erase both her and me, Villella said. But my mom is a hero, and will always be the hero of my lifetime, and today that erasure and discrimination ended thanks to Majority Leader Amanda Farias and Speaker Adrienne Adams.
This outdated and discriminatory loophole has finally been closed.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called the resolution a bittersweet milestone for Villella and her family, emphasizing the need to address the injustices faced by families of fallen officers.
With the council's passage of a home-rule resolution, our colleagues in the state legislature can now enact a state law reforming pension entitlements for survivors.
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