Senate Continues Reform Agenda, Closes Pension Loopholes
March 31, 2009
(Boston) – A week after passing comprehensive legislation to overhaul the state transportation system, the Senate today continued to push its reform agenda with unanimous approval of a bill that will tie off loopholes in current pension laws to end abuses and save taxpayer money.
“The time for talk is over,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “The Senate’s actions today are aimed at fixing the system and restoring the public’s trust in government. While most public employees play by the rules, there are still too many who cheat the system by taking advantage of ambiguities in the law. That’s going to change.”
“The state’s pension system is an important benefit for state workers who chose generally low-paying careers in public service over the private sector,” stated Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “There are examples, however, of individuals who exploit loopholes to increase pension payments at a high cost to the state. The Senate legislation is just the beginning of important fixes to state pension laws to close these loopholes.”
