Tell Governor Paterson to Protect Public Employee Retiree Health Care

Public employee retirees have given years of service to the state and local governments with a promise of security in their health insurance.  Unfortunately, when budgetary pressures mount, it becomes all too easy to target retiree benefits.  That is why the Governor should sign S6457A.  This bill would create a task force on public retiree health insurance protection, and establish a temporary moratorium on unilateral reductions in benefits. The task force, which would include a variety of experts and interested parties appointed by the Governor and the Legislature, will be charged with studying cost-effective strategies for protecting adequate and affordable health insurance coverage for retired public employees and their dependents.  In conjunction with the task force, a moratorium would also be in effect, prohibiting public employers from diminishing retiree health benefits.

Fax the Governor and tell him to sign the public employee retiree health protection bill – S6457A.  You can also call his office toll free at (877) 255-9417.