It has been more than three years since the Schoharie limo crash, and Congressman Paul Tonko and families of the victims were in Amsterdam touting new legislation that closes limo safety loopholes.
After the fatal 2018 crash, 20 families immediately began advocating for changes on the federal level to improve limo safety.
Now, new legislation to do just that is included in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill President Joe Biden is expected to sign Monday. It will support states in impounding unsafe vehicles, require new limousines to have lap and shoulder belts, and establish a federal limo inspection program.
The families of the victims view the passage of these provisions as a victory, as well as a tribute.
“I hope all of them upstairs are saying, ‘da**it you did a fine job, Kevin Cushing, Patrick Cushing’s father, said. “Thank you.”
“When I think of what we accomplished, I think of the children,” Jill Richardson-Perez, Matthew Coons’ mother added. “I think of how we changed the future.”
Families say there is still a lot of healing left and work to do.