Protect Public Employee Retiree Health Care

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.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Sign S6457A

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Public employees, like me, provide valuable services to the people of New York State. One of the ways the state and local governments recognize those contributions is by providing adequate health insurance to both active and retired employees.

Unfortunately, when economic threats loom, retiree health coverage can be one of the first targets. We've seen many retirees in the private sector left in the lurch when their employers walked away from their commitments by reducing or completely eliminating their health coverage. Public employers should set an example that broken promises are not our state's policy. The law should ensure that employers who promised their retirees health care live up to that obligation.

S6457A would create a task force appointed by the Governor and the Legislature to study cost-effective strategies for protecting adequate and affordable health insurance coverage for retired public employees and their dependents. While the study is being conducted, a moratorium would be in effect allowing public employers to diminish retiree health insurance only if a corresponding reduction is made to active employees.

I urge you to sign S6457A.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 29, 2008

Background Information

With the economy in jeopardy, government will be looking for ways to save money. Without adequate protection in the law, retirees may be vulnerable to unilateral reductions in their benefits. Retirees are already faced with an overwhelming burden due to their fixed incomes and should not be faced with yet another threat from public employers who could renege on the promise of health care.