Attention NYSPFFA Members: Since 1978, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, a cost of living increase and a one-year escalation for all New York State widows and widowers of police officers and fire fighters killed in the line-of-duty. The intent of the original 1978 law was to increase benefits to an amount that would reflect the impact of inflation. The law, however, did not provide for any additional cost of living increases after July 1, 1979. As with previous legislation, there is no cost to the localities, as the State would reimburse them for their portion of this small increase.