H. Rose Schneider reports in the Altamont Enterprise that a new state law requires firefighters who go into burning buildings must be insured for certain types of cancer, and officials in Rensselaerville are worried about the costs. “This is something that is going to be very big when it comes to our budget … ,” Rensselaerville Supervisor Steve Pfleging said. “Really, they should have gotten it for free.” Studies indicate firefighters have a higher risk for cancer. Pfleging says the unfunded mandate will cost the town $7,000 to $8,000 annually if the amount paid for each eligible firefighter is $250. The insurance covers lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, neurological, reproductive systems, and melanoma cancers. Rensselaerville’s fire chief Bob Tanner says the law goes overboard. “We have one structure fire a year, and it’s usually so involved we don’t go into it,” he said. Local taxes all over the state could go up to cover the costs. “I don’t want to raise taxes on anybody. They already pay enough taxes … ,” Pfleging said. “We’re here to help our community, not hurt our community.” Read the full story in the Altamont Enterprise.