Because for every negative thing you should try to find a positive, here are the things I liked about Paterson’s budget proposal dealing with state workforce.
- Adding a Tier 5 to the pension system. This makes logical sense, and allows the state to retain its commitment to existing workers while modifying the commitment to new workers. I am a big fan of defined benefit reitrement plans, or traditional pensions. I know this is another area where people like to blame the unions, but at one time defined benefit plans were the norm. The propoasl for the Tier 5 seems very reasonable and if I were a new employee being in Tier 5 would not deter me from entering the system.
- Modifying the future retiree contributions for health care. Again, this makes sense. If you are in the system the full 30+ years you get the full benefit. If you leave early you get a reduced benefit. That seems equitable.
- Requiring contributions to Medicare Part B Premiums. I don’t really understand what this is, but it does not seem too onerous.
As I’ve said, it’s too early to predict what will happen by the time the budget passes. I only hope that in the end an equitable arrangement can be found.
