RPEA Applauds Governor David A. Paterson

Thanks Governor for His Remarks Appreciating Public Servants

ALBANY, NY (03/18/2008)(readMedia)-- On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and its almost 50,000 members, Michael B. Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Retired Public Employees’ Association, Inc., congratulated Governor David A. Paterson upon his taking the Oath of Office yesterday in the Assembly Chamber and his comments thereafter.

“It is reassuring that Governor Paterson recognizes the importance of public service,” Fitzgerald said. “Many of our members devoted their entire career to working for the people at the State and local levels of government. It is rewarding to have the new ‘boss’ praise our efforts.”

The Governor also talked about making sure that everyone has access to health care, a critical issue for retired public employees. As part of their service, government employees are usually entitled to health care benefits when they retire.

Unfortunately, some local governments have been attempting to cut health insurance costs by trimming health care benefits that retirees get. Active employees are represented by unions in negotiating for health insurance benefits, but retirees have to fend for themselves.

“All we are asking for is to receive the same level of health care benefits as those provided to active employees, no more no less,” Fitzgerald stated further. “The Governor recognizes that we have earned our health insurance benefits, and hopefully, he will protect our access to them.”

Since 1994, school district retirees have had legal protection against diminution of health care benefits. This came about as a result of a Task Force appointed by then Governor Mario M. Cuomo to look into the issue. In the past six years, the Legislature has extended this protection to all public retirees, but the bills have been vetoed by Governors Pataki and Spitzer.

The Retired Public Employees’ Association, Inc. has made such protection a legislative priority. Governor Paterson will either have a chance to sign the legislation or appoint a new Task Force to make recommendations for retiree health care protection.

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