It's only the biggest problem plaguing municipal government. But the state legislature is kicking the can down the road. Again. Ironically, Governor Corbett is not fighting the Democrats, but his own party.
His proposal only applied to future hires, and could not legally have any impact on teachers or government workers already enrolled in a plan. What Corbett was proposing is no different than what Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan did two years ago.
I can see only one reason for opposing the modest pension reform proposed - greed.
20 comments:
it should be noted that he is in fact fighting the democrats as well on this issue. however, the republicans have the majority in both houses, and could have passed the reform, regardless. there was actually two bills from which they could have chose; the tobash bill in the house, or the brubaker in the senate, both honored existing pensions. i support both/either bill, and credit corbett for his tenacity on this issue.
Used to be when government employees and teachers salaries where minimal wage at best, the pension was the only light at the end of the tunnel, boy oh boy how things have changed.
Time is ripe to reform the system and should start with the politicians themselves.
In PA, they need to reduce the size of their legislature, contribute as non govt employees do in the private sector and git er done ASAP.
Greed? Better stated - UNION GREED!!!!!
One Term Tom! Count on it
Remove the outside influence of corporate greed, PAC's and eliminate the "Lobbyist" arm of government then perhaps real decisions can be made!
He's right but it's too late for him. This should have been done 3 years ago. Corbett is going to lose by 20 points and everyone knows it. Harrisburg Republicans have demonstrated over the last 4 years that they are incapable governing in a fiscally responsible manner. Time for change.
What 6:48 said
If I'm Tom Wolf, I was hoping that pension reform would have happened.
One way or the other whether it's Corbett or Wolf, it's either reform the system or have it break the back of the state.
Yes it's that bad. I don't think people will realize how dire of a situation it is until Illinois goes.
Corbett finally grew a pair, he should have done this his first year in office. Things could have been much different if the Governor led in Harrisburg instead of just saying. Well golly gee winikers legislature it would be nice if you would pass these bills. No? Oh ok.
Is Corbett flipping the bird to us in that picture?
Scott
Wolf is so beholden to labor, he'll not touch pensions with a ten foot pole Pennsylvania's legislature is the worst in the country. Between stealing and drunk driving and bar fighting and wife strangling and threatening people with guns, they haven't the time to do anything more serious than raise their own pay.
I don't approve of many of Corbett's policies because I think they are bad for Pennsylvanians. I would like nothing more than for him to be shown the door in November, and that the door leaves a bright purple bruise on his butt.
But he is obviously on the right track with this one. That he couldn't get this through a Republican legislature is another black mark. I'm wondering if this was in large part a way of trying to increase his election chances.
Pension reform is probably the single most important issue facing the financial health of this state and many other states. Nearly 65 cents on the dollar of taxes is spent on this expense. Defined benefit is unsustainable and a transition to defined contribution is the only solution. I am glad to see the Governor taking this unpopular approach to the budget. If any lawmaker cannot see how important this piece of legislation is, not only for the state but the trickling down to the local government then they ought not be legislators at all. The time is now, lets hope the legislature can get this done.
Agreed. The party does not matter. It is time to fix this.
There is only one way that the pension problem will be fixed and that is for the legislature to lead the way and fix their own pensions first. Corbett can come out all he wants for pension reform for state workers knowing full well that the legislature will not act on there own generous pensions. His political posturing is an sttempt to raise his poll numbers.
Defined contribution is giving your money to some swindler picked by the politicians. Your money won't be there when you need it.
Some of us have been singing this song since governor-dumber-than-bob-casey jr Tom Ridge:
http://articles.mcall.com/2001-04-25/news/3360591_1_state-pensions-annual-pension-tobacco-bill
Why is it no one pays attention until the wolf is at the door?
Any legislation dealing with only future pensions will not solve the problem. More shell games from the political class and, again, everyone will buy it and 10 years later everyone will say "Oh, NOW is the time to do something."
"... it's either reform the system or have it break the back of the state"
At this point, only the suffering that will come of "breaking the back of the state" will convince the moronic majority and those who have fleeced us that apathy, ignorance, abdication of personal responsibility, corruption and greed are not the stuff of patriots.
-Clem
"on their own"
It is hard to take someone who can't spell very seriously.
Research Tom Wolf's track record as a serious tax man.
Any proposed reform will not fly if it includes current employees or lowering any return rate. Illegal by PA Constitution. But Teabaggers always will try.
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