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For Immediate Release: Monday, October 4, 2004 Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w)
212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 ***PRESS RELEASE*** State Senator Liz Krueger
Introduces Groundbreaking Legislation to Prevent Elected Officials Convicted
of Crimes from Collecting Pensions New
York, NY – State Senator Liz Krueger today introduced legislation
that would close a loophole that allows for City and State elected officials
convicted of felonies relating to their official duties from collecting their
government pensions. “It is simply
unconscionable for elected officials who violate their oath of office to
receive a pension that is funded by tax-paying New Yorkers,” said Senator
Krueger. In recent months, a great deal of media attention has been
given to a few New York State elected officials who have resigned their
office after being found guilty of a crime, including former State Senator
Guy Velella and former Assemblymember Gloria Davis. Mr. Velella, who was convicted of bribery and was recently
released nine months early from his one-year jail sentence at Rikers Island,
was allowed to collect an $80,000-a-year pension. Ms. Davis spent 60 days in jail last year, also for bribery and
she still was eligible for her $61,290-a-year pension. The legislation that Senator Krueger introduced, S.
7764, would revise the State Retirement and Social Security Law to ensure
that any City and State elected officials who commit felonies in the future
relating to their official duties, that violate the rules and regulations of
their office, shall be prohibited from collecting their pensions. “The fact that a convicted criminal can still collect their pension is a perfect example of the institutional failings of the culture of Albany,” stated Krueger. “When we do pass this legislation, I hope that New Yorkers will start to feel some small inkling that integrity and honesty are returning to the State Legislature.” -30- |
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