The rhythm of lawmaking in Connecticut often ebbs and flows: Float an idea in a bill in one session and then bring it back another year after testing the waters. Maybe then it will pass.

A very good idea is about to become law as a result of agreement in the last session to find a means of financially assisting firefighters with job-related cancers without overburdening their municipal employers. The means are far different and more practical than those in early proposals, thanks to a persistent spirit of cooperation.

Last week the General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 5262, which contains a formula for collecting funds by appropriating one cent of an existing 51-cent telephone surcharge. The fund, estimated to take in about $400,000 per year, will help make up wages lost by firefighters during cancer treatment. Firefighters will administer the fund.

Not only is it a just and practical solution, it's an example of how to get reasonable things accomplished by a legislative body listening to both sides of an issue, and then taking the time to get it right.

Towns and cities were represented at the table by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities; the statewide firefighters association represented its members; and leaders of both parties worked together. They kept going when first a workers' compensation proposal and then expanded disability insurance both scared the municipalities.

Local governments balked because of the heavy costs they bear under a law, now repealed, that gave lifetime coverage and survivor benefits to police and firefighters with hypertension or heart disease assumed to be related to job stress. Those who qualified while the law was in effect continue to receive benefits.

Cancer has its own timetable, however, and exposure to some chemicals as they burn can sicken a firefighter while he or she is still working. Debilitating treatments can force the person out of work for lengthy periods.

The relief this fund will provide will support living expenses, such as mortgage payments, so the cancer doesn't devastate the family finances as well. Eligible recipients — who must show that they do not use tobacco and do use proper techniques for avoiding exposure during interior fires — will get an amount up to the average weekly wage of workers in the state.

The new law is set to take effect Feb. 1, 2017 and is scheduled to distribute benefits once it has accrued funds for three years. Well done.