Letters: Stop state pension madness 05/28/12

The governor/Legislature should stop trying to solve the state’s financial woes on the backs, sweat and tears of those who serve(d) the state with much hard work and dedication.

I’m a retiree who, despite living frugally all my life, is on a pension that makes it hard to get by. Health issues prevent working another job. We got no merit pay the past three years I worked, and I’ve been retired for two years with no increase. I ask, in the infinite wisdom of the governor and Legislature, just how much damage would they estimate that inflation has done to me and thousands like me?

Now, even if funds were available, Senate Bill 740 by Sen. E. Guillory would end cost-of-living increases (COLAs) for a long time for retired rank and file retirees with an average $22,000 a year benefit while excluding “hazardous duty” members. Discrimination? Should all “non-hazardous duty” members meet on the State Capitol steps so they can hang us at high noon? Then pensions won’t have to be paid anymore since probably half of us have no survivors to whom they’d have to pay benefits.

Get a conscience and stop this madness!

Kathy Lamonica

retired state employee

Independence