Res. No. 474
Resolution calling upon the Legislature to pass, and for the Governor to sign, legislation that would create parity among the different pension tiers for employees of the uniformed services.
By Council Members Crowley, Vallone, Espinal, Cabrera, Chin, Constantinides, Deutsch, Gibson, King, Koo, Koslowitz, Lancman, Maisel, Wills, Cohen, Vacca, Greenfield, Johnson, Kallos, Eugene, Levine, Torres, Levin, Cumbo, Treyger, Palma, Van Bramer, Gentile, Mealy, Rodriguez, Reynoso, Mendez, Menchaca, Miller, Matteo and Ulrich
Whereas, According to the New York State Legislature, police officers receiving disability benefits under Tier 2 receive 75 percent of pay, with no Social Security offset; and
Whereas, According to the New York State Legislature, police officers receiving disability benefits under Tier 3 receive 50 percent of pay, which is further offset by Social Security payments; and
Whereas, According to the New York State Legislature the expiration of Tier 2 benefits and the creation of Tier 3 benefits left uniformed employees, including firefighters and medical officers, of the Fire Department with greatly reduced disability benefits; and
Whereas, It has been estimated by the State Legislature that the discrepancy in benefits between Tier 2 and Tier 3 can result in substantially reduced payments to disabled employees of the fire department and police officers; and
Whereas, Legislation has been introduced in the State Legislature to eliminate such discrepancy in benefits; and
Whereas, A. 9975 (Sponsored by Assemblyman Peter Abbate) and S. 7736 (Sponsored by Senator Martin Golden) would ensure that all employees of the Fire Department receive equal disability benefits; and
Whereas, A.9594 (Sponsored by Assemblyman Peter Abbate) and S.7326 (Sponsored by Senator Martin Golden) would amend subdivisions a and b of section 13-254 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, which governs disability benefits under the New York City Police Pension fund, to extend Tier 2 disability benefits to members of Tier 3; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Legislature to pass, and for the Governor to sign, legislation that would create parity among the different pension tiers for employees of the uniformed services.
LS# 2614
11/24/2014
GZ/jm