SENATOR OBERACKER PUSHES FOR PENSION REFORM FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

March 28, 2024

ALBANY – 03/28/24 – Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C-Schenevus) today joined with fellow members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference in advancing a proposed amendment to the floor of the State Senate that would dramatically reform the fundamentally flawed Tier 6 of the state’s pension system. The amendment was rejected along party lines in a vote by Senate Democrats.

“Communities, especially in the rural areas I represent, depend greatly on our public workforce,” said Senator Peter Oberacker. “Unfortunately, New York State has failed as a partner when it comes to recruiting and retaining police, correction officers, first responders, teachers, highway workers, direct care employees, and other critical personnel. Reforming or eliminating Tier 6 would serve as a true economic boost and a much deserved thank you to those who go to work day in and day out for the betterment of our state.”

According to the State Comptroller's Office, at the close of 2023, there were approximately 11,000 vacancies in the state’s workforce. Adding insult to injury, the Hochul administration recently announced plans to begin filling some of those vacancies with non-US citizens who have been flooding into New York as a result of the self-created migrant crisis.

Compounding the workforce problem, with a quarter of public sector employees reaching retirement age within the next five years, a surge of new retirements could negatively impact our public schools, state agencies, health care roles, and law enforcement offices for many years to come.

“New York State continues to lose people to outmigration for a host of reasons. The deficiencies of Tier 6 are just another reason why hardworking individuals are leaving the public workforce here and taking their talents elsewhere. Fixing Tier 6 is an initiative that should have bi-partisan support – the future of our state depends on it,” added Senator Oberacker.

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