Robert Gavin is reporting for the Times Union Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo May 25 said the state and local governments will pay for the death benefits of families of front-line workers who died from COVID-19. Cuomo also asked the federal government to pay hazard pay to those who cared for the ill, as well. In a news conference held aboard the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan, Cuomo said local or state pension funds will pay the benefits for any public employees who worked in the state at the local, county or state level and lost their lives to the pandemic. Those covered include families of front-line public health care workers, police, fire and emergency service workers and others who "showed up" amid the crisis, the governor said. He said the workers deserved not just words of thanks but action to show the appreciation. Cuomo said the federal government should dedicate money for hazard pay for the same reason. Read the full story in the Times Union.