(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) recently reiterated his support for the pension forfeiture of public officials who are convicted of corruption. Upon entering the legislature in 2010, Montesano introduced a piece of legislation to eliminate pension benefits for any public officer, public employee or public school employee convicted of a felony related to abuse of office.
Similar legislation to Montesano’s was later adopted into a governor’s program bill in 2011. However, the language within the bill was altered to exclude senior legislators, and only applied to those who joined the public pension system after November 2011.
“While in the past we were able to take some important steps going forward, I believe it is necessary to strengthen existing laws against all public officials who abuse public trust,” said Montesano. “Currently the senior members of the legislature are still eligible to receive their pension, even if they are convicted of a felony. It is despicable that this is the case. No matter their length of public service, a violation while in their position should be rightfully penalized.”
Earlier this year the Assembly Majority overlooked an opportunity for dramatic change when they blocked a meaningful proposal that would strip the pension of public servants convicted of felonies. The Majority back-tracked on an agreed-upon bill in both houses, which the Senate passed, and instead introduced a watered down version of the legislation later in the year.
“To continue to fund the pensions of public officials who deliberately abused their positions is a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars,” said Montesano. “What kind of message are we sending to the hardworking men and women across our state by allowing financial security for corrupt representatives upon their retirement? New Yorkers deserve better than that. They deserve more money in their pockets and they deserve honorable service from their legislators.”
Several pieces of legislation with significant support have been introduced over the years to deny pensions to convicted public officials. However, without matching legislation in both houses the bills have expired.
