Contact: Mike Fraser, (518) 455-3751
Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today criticized the Assembly Majority for its failure to advance pension forfeiture legislation from the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees. Legislation (A.4643-A, Stec) that would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from public employees convicted of abusing their positions was blocked in committee.
"The Assembly finally held a vote to strip public pensions from convicted officials - and Majority members rejected it. This legislation is common sense, it's what New Yorkers want, and it's long overdue. As Sheldon Silver prepares to start a prison term, he can take comfort knowing his former colleagues in the Assembly Majority protected his $79,000-per-year pension, funded by hard-working taxpayers.
By rejecting this reform bill, the Majority has once again embraced the status quo and reinforced its support for the corrupt culture that defines Albany. There are 10 days of session left, and today's committee action sends a clear message - the Assembly Majority is unwilling to do what's needed to preserve the integrity of the Legislature and protect the interests of New Yorkers."