The inclusion of presumptive cancer benefits for professional and volunteer firefighters in the state’s budget moves North Carolina from one of the bottom in the nation in firefighter benefits to top, according to firefighters. News 13 has been following this topic since several Asheville firefighters died of cancers directly attributed to their occupation. On Tuesday, News 13 heard reaction from lawmakers and firefighters. Included in the proposed budget is a record amount of funding for first responders, including a $15 million supplemental insurance policy for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. Known as the Fire Fighters Fighting Cancer Act of 2021, the measure included in the budget provides a lump sum payment to help firefighters diagnosed with cancer with medical expenses along with disability benefits if they’re unable to work.