NY Daily News – January 08, 2015
by Jennifer Fermino, Erin Durkin
A bill to boost disability pensions for cops and firefighters has gained enough support to move forward, despite opposition from Mayor de Blasio. The “home rule” message asking Albany for the pension change has now been signed by 35 Council members, enough to guarantee a hearing. New rules implemented in the Council this year say any measure with 34 or more supporters must get a hearing within 60 days.
“When our firefighters and police officers risk their lives for the safety of New Yorkers, we owe them the assurance that their families will be provided for should anything happen,” said Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Queens), the chief sponsor.
“Every emergency responder is taking the same risk, and every responder deserves the same disability benefits if they get hurt. We cannot allow the City to cut corners when it comes to basic public safety.”
The pension boost is a key priority for police unions that have been warring with de Blasio.
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito has also so far refused to support the pension sweetener.
The changes being considered would hike benefits for officers hired after 2009 if they are injured. Officers hired before then are currently entitled to much more generous pensions, but the bill would make payments the same regardless of hiring date.
De Blasio said Wednesday he still has “serious reservations” about the bill, which he has called too expensive, but wants to find a way to help cops.
“I think when one of our officers is injured we have to make sure that their future will be OK. And we have to find the right way to do that. I think some real issues have been raised that are valid,” he said “I think that bill has particular elements to it that I think are problematic. I’m very willing to have the conversation with all involved on how we can be fair to anyone who’s injured in the line of duty.”
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