Governor Vetoes Full Benefits for New Firefighters, Police

New York, NY —

Governor Paterson has vetoed the extension of a law that allows new firefighters and police officers to retire with full benefits with 20 years of service. Unions and labor advocates are angry. Staten Island State Senator Diane Savino, chairwoman of the Civil Service Committee, says the benefit has been extended since 1976. She says Paterson voted for the extension himself, when he was in the legislature. In a statement, Governor Paterson says it's time to change Albany's culture of "business as usual" and, he adds, "nothing says 'business as usual' like a temporary fix that lasts 28 years." The governor has been pushing lawmakers to support the creation of a new, cheaper, pension tier.