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Concerned UUP Members: Oppose Changes to Retiree Benefits for Public Employees

Oppose changes to public retiree benefits proposed in the Executive Budget.

September 09, 2010

Subject:
Oppose Changes to Retiree Benefits for Public Employees

As a politically active member of United University Professions, I am writing to request your vocal opposition to the changes to public retiree benefits proposed in the Executive Budget. Specifically, these changes include:

* The new "Tier 5" pension plan;

* Establishing a sliding scale for retiree health insurance premium contributions for future state retirees; and,

* Requiring state employees and retirees to contribute to Medicare Part B premiums.

If enacted, these changes will require greater contributions from middle class families over a longer period of time in exchange for diminished retirement eligibility and inferior retirement benefits. These changes will not save taxpayers a single dime over the near term and will provide only marginal savings over the longer term.

More importantly, however, if these changes are enacted, it will severely hamper the ability of the State University of New York to attract and retain quality educators and professional staff. This will directly impair the ability of SUNY to deliver quality educational services to New York's citizens and our communities in the future.

These proposals unfairly target dedicated state employees. I strongly urge you to reject this legislation and stand up for future middle class public servants who deserve the right to retire in dignity and security after a career in public service. Don't balance the state budget on the backs of current and future middle-class workers.

Thank you for your consideration and support on this important issue.

Sincerely,

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