(NEW YORK, NY) Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) co-sponsored a constitutional amendment this week that would require all elected officials convicted of a felony in office to forfeit their taxpayer-funded state pension. Elected in 2010 on a strong message of reform, a Montesano measure was included in the 2011 state budget making pension forfeiture mandatory for future felonious officials, but did not address those already serving in office. Montesano is hopeful this amendment can be passed and become eligible for public referendum in 2015.
“With the seemingly endless list of officials being indicted or convicted of felonies, it’s clear that the current system is broken,” said Montesano. “Our residents deserve better than having their hard-earned tax dollars going toward a cushy retirement for politicians who have abused the public trust.
“Most people would agree: if you’ve committed a felony while in office, you do not deserve a public pension. In 2011, we took the initial steps to restoring the public trust and governing with the ‘people-first’ mindset our communities deserve by passing my legislation to strip pensions away from future felonious officials; now we must ensure that happens for all lawmakers who use their position to further their own venal needs.
“I plan on continuing to fight for meaningful reform to our government and will keep working to ensure our residents receive the responsible, ethical government they deserve.”
