Lawmakers Meeting To Discuss Pension Reform For NYC Police, Firefighters
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Lawmakers are meeting at City Hall to discuss disability pension reform for New York City's uniformed men and women.
Before July 2009, city police officers and firefighters injured on the job received benefits equal to 75 percent of their salaries.
But after a state law change, it dropped to 50 percent.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has penned a proposal to increase the benefits police and firefighters will receive if they're seriously injured on the job.
But the unions want a full restoration to 75 percent. They now have the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Union leaders along with dozens of uniformed police officers and firefighters rallied outside City Hall ahead of the hearings.
"This council, Albany, the mayor have an obligation -- an obligation to keep that moral pact that the citizens have, work now, put yourself at risk, if you're disabled we'll help you take care of your family," Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said.
Changes would first have to be supported by the City Council, then the state Legislature.
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