Press Room
You Are Here:
A Statement by Director Stephen J. Acquario, New York State Association of Counties, on behalf of NY's 62 Counties On Governor David Paterson's Announcement of an Agreement to Create a new Pension Tier
June 5, 2009
County officials applaud today’s announcement by Governor David Paterson of an agreement that will create a new pension tier.
With this proposal, Governor Paterson has demonstrated once again that he understands the fiscal pressures facing New York State’s local governments.
While this action will not provide immediate relief to our overburdened property taxpayers, it represents a new understanding that decisions made in the State Capitol have a direct impact on local governments and local taxpayers, who will see long term savings from the Tier V plan.
Earlier this week the Governor vetoed legislation that would have expanded pension benefits for new police and firefighter hires, a move that will provide out-year savings for local governments. In April, Governor Paterson signed Executive Order 17, which prohibits state agencies from unilaterally implementing any new regulation that would add to the unfunded mandates borne by New York’s local governments.
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
###