By Brian Molongoski
Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — A “Death Gamble” bill that would provide retirement benefits to families of corrections officers who die while still employed, despite being eligible for retirement, has been rejected by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
The veto has drawn backlash from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association as well as the bill’s sponsors — State Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa.
According to the bill’s text, the family of a deceased corrections officer, who was eligible to retire but has chosen to continue his or her work, would be given a lump sum equal to the pension the officer would have received if they did retire or the value of the death benefit and increased take-home pay, whichever is greater.
In a statement Thursday, Sen. Ritchie highlighted her father’s career as a corrections officer and expressed her disappointment in the veto.
“The veto of this bill sends a message to our brave men and women who walk one of the most dangerous beats in New York state, that their willingness to put their lives on the line — that extreme sacrifice — is not as valued as it should be,” she said.
There are currently 2,700 corrections employees in New York state who are eligible for retirement but are still working, according to NYSCOPBA.
NYSCOPBA President Michael Powers blasted the governor for the veto, calling it “simply shameful.”
“Ultimately, this bill could have convinced law enforcement officers to keep working past retirement at a time when the level of violence in the state’s prison system is absolutely unacceptable,” he said in a statement. “Now, more than ever, we need seasoned, experienced corrections officers on the job.”
Ms. Jenne also chimed in with a statement.
“I am very disappointed by the veto of this long-sought legislation aimed at protecting the financial security of the families of corrections officers who don’t leave public service as soon as they reach retirement eligibility,” she said.
Sen. Ritchie noted that while the bill was vetoed, she was assured by the governor’s staff that the issue would be addressed in contract negotiations with NYSCOPBA. An agreement will supposedly be reached following further meetings.
“I take them at their word,” she said. “I feel strongly about this issue and again while I disagree with the veto, if the legislation fosters an agreement that provides correctional officers and their families with these important protections, that is what is important.”
Gov. Cuomo raised this point in his veto message for the bill, saying that this issue should be part of the contract negotiation process.
“This will allow these types of benefits to be evaluated as part of the larger package of benefits and compensation provided to state and local employees, rather than in a piecemeal fashion that prioritizes certain benefits over others,” he said.
©2017 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.)