Lege Trend: Pension Forfeiture Reform

Pension Forefeiture Reform was front and center in New York. Here’s the background:

• The year, 2011. Governor Cuomo calls for & passes pension forefeiture for ” public officials to lose pensions if they were convicted of a felony related to their office.”
• During legislative discussions, it was discussed that pension forefeiture reform should apply to all government officials and employees.
• The 2011 pension reform only applies to elected government officials.
• The year, 2015, questions emerge as to why prison guards that facilitated the NY prison escape should receive their pensions. Can these prison guards receive their pensions? Yes. The guards are not public officials and can receive their full pensions.

Editorial | Niagra Gazette