What Eachus called “grossly unjust” is an old accusation. A few years ago, Larkin and some other senior legislators decided to take their state pensions while still drawing legislative salaries. While most working slobs have to retire before they can collect pensions, legislators make their own rules.
Larkin’s state pension, after 26 years in the system, comes to $58,503 according to published reports. His legislative salary, with a $22,000 leadership stipend, is $101,500, collectively almost what a congressman pulls down.
Larkin, like most dippers, defends his generous pension as earned, which is fair enough. Less credible is his contention in published reports that his pension is “paid for” and that taxpayers are no longer making contributions to it. He might check on that with State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who in a recent press release warned taxpayers higher payments into the pension system will be required this year, due to stock-market malaise.
But, Eachus, who may or may not be a candidate, may have missed one of Larkin’s pension checks. He’s also a retired Army lieutenant colonel with more than 20 years serve. Earned that one, too, with combat service in Korea.
Campaign spending reports indicate the senator is braced for hostilities, with some $130,000 in the bank. He’ll raise five times that should a credible opponent emerge.
Liberty foiled
They say turnaround in politics is fair play. Sometimes not.
THEY JUST REBUILT THAT BRIDGE, AND IT ALREADY NEEDS REPAIRS???? More corruption!