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Concerns for Retired Fire Fighters |
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The Variable Supplement Fund (VSF) was established for retired Firefighters, Police, Transit and Housing officers who retired after 20 years of service. Now, Mayor Bloomberg has announced his desire for the discontinuation of the VSF for retirees and pension concerns loom. This has caused major concerns for retired fire fighters who have served the city of New York. |
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| Author: Rudolph Fx Migliore |
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Mayor Bloomberg has announced his desire for discontinuation of the VSF for retirees. They would strip the $12,000 annual payouts from personnel and future retirees, which has been costing the city hundreds of millions a year. At a time when retirement costs are burdening tax payers, Bloomberg has continued to push Albany for broad pension cut-backs. It’s questionable whether current retirees could be denied the VSF because it is for past service, or at the very least, it is under attack. What is most concerning is the possibility that current retirees could lose more than the Variable Supplement Fund. There are calls to cut-back on retirees’ healthcare and Medicare part B coverage. This would significantly increase out of pocket medical expenses, as well as Medicare reimbursement.
There have been increasing calls for a Constitutional Convention at the New York State level. Currently, all retired fire fighters pensions are protected by a New York State constitutional guarantee. As the pension crisis mounts, many want to begin a Constitutional Convention where this pension guarantee could be removed. In addition, the well-deserved pensions of retired Firefighters have come under attack in the media with much blame being put on the pension system for the large state financial deficit.
However, it is concerning that Mayor Bloomberg, former Mayor Koch and Governor Cuomo have all called for a Constitutional Convention. The likelihood of bringing one about at this juncture is remote to impossible. Nonetheless, the state constitution does call for a Constitutional Convention, the next potential date being 2017. Future pensions are at a much greater risk than existing pensions, but this still presents a challenge to pensions nonetheless.
The media assault on the cost of pensions and healthcare over the last 12 months has been relentless. Again, they are looking to turn public opinion against the firefighters. One retired Firefighter recently commented “ten years ago we were heroes; today they want to treat us like bums”. Fire fighters have served the city of New York and deserve their hard earned pension. Like many retired FDNY Firefighters, they depend on their pension to survive in this economy.
The Law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C has been monitoring this situation and understands the effect it will have on those who have served the city of New York. Rudolph Migliore stands with all the retired fire fighters of New York City. It will be necessary for all our state legislators to hear from the retired FDNY and if possible have a delegation visit each of their offices. Firefighters are the smallest of all unions and have the least amount of retirees. Accordingly, they will need to speak up all the more forcefully to be heard and not be short-changed. They need to fight back in the media as usual. This involves many letters to the editor, online postings using social networking (facebook, twitter, youtube) and websites. It is important to defend those who have served us for so many years.
About Author
Rudolph Migliore, more commonly known as Rudy, is a well-known attorney with over 32 years of experience. Rudy has made Suffolk County, New York his home since 1963. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1968 to 1974. A quintessential family man, Rudy strongly conveys this trait in his legal practice. Having four children of his own, ages 20, 18, 15 and 8, Rudy is well aware of the importance of family, the everyday challenges families face and the need to provide guidance for all members of the next generation to ensure the brightest future possible.
As a busy and active attorney, it is easy to forget the significance and relevance of family and community. However, Rudy always makes it a point to keep values and family at the top of his priority list. Recognizing family challenges and problems facing local communities, Rudy has dealt directly and compassionately with issues involving family, friends and complete strangers. For many who Rudy has helped, he has become “Uncle Rudy” and is always just a phone call away.
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