Gov. Charlie Baker decries plan to give convicted public employees pension money

[TexasTowelie]

Gov. Charlie Baker blasted a new proposal that would allow criminally convicted public employees to keep part of their taxpayer-funded pensions, even if the crime is linked to their job.

“I’m not interested in getting into the business of dramatically altering the notion that if you’re a public servant, you’re not supposed to engage in criminal activity, and if you do, your pension should absolutely be on the table and at risk,” Baker said.

The Herald reported yesterday that the recommendation, which Beacon Hill lawmakers quietly tucked into a special commission’s proposal, aims to scrap the state’s “all-or-nothing” pension forfeiture law. The current rule strips public employees of their pensions if they’re convicted of any crime — misdemeanor or felony — related to their official roles.

Instead, the Special Commission on Pension Forfeiture is proposing a tiered system that would allow retirement boards to dock employees’ pensions based on how serious their crimes are. But it also sets a “minimum allowance,” ensuring the criminally convicted staffers still receive some of their pension for the rest of their lives.

Read more: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_politics/2017/05/gov_charlie_baker_decries_plan_to_give_convicted_public_employees

[SHRED]

1. Many public pensions forego Social Security

So is he proposing criminals lose their Social Security also?
Public employees contribute to their pensions also.