Res. No. 1351
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass A.9869 and S.6868, which directs the State to reimburse the City of New York for the health insurance and supplemental benefits of New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation retirees.
By Council Members Koslowitz, Dromm, Rose, Fidler, Rivera, Palma, Barron, Brewer, Chin, Ferreras, Gentile, Gonzalez, Jackson, James, Koo, Koppell, Lander, Mendez, Van Bramer, Vann, Williams, Wills, Rodriguez and Ulrich
Wheareas, The New York State Legislature is considering A.9869 and S.6868, an act to
amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to the provision of health
insurance and supplemental benefits to retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting
Corporation (the Corporation) and making an appropriation therefor; and
Whereas, These bills would amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law to
apply to all present and future retirees of the Corporation who are eligible to participate in and
receive benefits from any City authorized health insurance or welfare benefit program;
and
Whereas, Provision of the aforementioned benefits will be contingent upon the State
reimbursing the City or its designee and applicable welfare benefit programs for the actual cost
of benefits; and
Whereas, Prior to the closure of the Corporation on December 7, 2010, retirees of the
Corporation received health insurance through the New York City employees health insurance
plan pursuant to Chapter 115 of the Laws of 2008; and
Whereas, Additionally, some retirees received supplemental benefits such as
prescription drug, optical and dental through applicable welfare benefit programs; and
Whereas, Former New York State Governor Paterson issued an executive order to allow
the Corporation to file for bankruptcy; and
Whereas, After this executive order was issued, employees of the Corporation made
significant concessions, including voluntary and early retirement with reduced pensions with the
promise of health benefits; and
Whereas, Employees who retired from the Corporation prior to its closing received
assurance from the State that their health insurance and supplemental benefits would withstand
the closure; and
Whereas, After the Corporation was closed, retirees were notified that those benefits
would cease; and
Whereas, This action left nearly 800 retirees and their dependents without health
insurance or supplemental benefits; and
Whereas, These employees therefore experienced and continue to endure an additional financial burden which they agreed to accept in exchange for the promise of continued health benefits; and
Whereas, The State refuses to acknowledge its obligation to absorb the cost of the
aforementioned benefits; and
Whereas, The State's refusal to provide health insurance and supplemental benefits to the
retirees of the Corporation represents its failure to satisfy a commitment that the State implied
would be covered; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass A.9869 and S.6868, which directs the State to reimburse the City of New York for the health insurance and supplemental benefits of New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation retirees.
FCC
LS# 2554 and 3647
5/22/12