This legislation would provide a death benefit for survivors of police or peace officers who, after earning a retirement benefit for previous public service in New York State, return to public service.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

This legislation would provide a death benefit for survivors of police or peace officers who, after earning a retirement benefit for previous public service in New York State, return to public service. State law allows these employees to be hired because of special skills or abilities they possess, but prevents them from joining the retirement system and receiving a second pension.

As a result of this situation these officers are also prevented from receiving other benefits that are provided by the pension system, including the death benefit of three times salary after completing three years of State service. This is a benefit available to every other State employee, including those not being asked to do the dangerous work that these officers are asked to do. Such payments, when made, will be borne by the respective State agency as a personal service expense.

I believe this is an unintended result of the existing Section 211 legislation and ask that this remedial legislation be adopted by both the Assembly Governmental Employees and Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committees and then passed by both houses of the Legislature.

Your support for this legislation, from committee approval to passage by your legislative house is most welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 02, 2008