.................Thousand Points of Right...............

CBC ATTACKS CITY'S HEALTH BENEFITS

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Business Groups Attack City's 'Lavish' Health Benefits
(Click Here)

New York City could save $1.4 billion a year if it could pare municipal government workers' health benefits down to the size of those of private-sector workers in the city, say the Citizens Budget Commission and the Partnership for New York City.

The two pro-business nonprofits surveyed 52 large firms in the city and found that municipal workers' perks are relatively extravagant. The CBC says the city now pays $10.4 billion a year for health insurance and pension premiums for, by CBC's count, 242,000 workers and 275,000 retirees.

“We continue to seek an [employee] contribution of 10% of health insurance premiums, but we were not able to achieve that,” the [Mayor's] spokesman said.

THOUSAND POINTS OF RIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:33:00 +0000

FORMER ACTIVE FIREFIGHTERS (FAF) BAIL-OUT WELFARE FUND (RSBF)... THEN UNIONS BAIL-OUT ON FORMER ACTIVE FIREFIGHTERS !

For the past three years the Federal Incentive (Medicare) moneys, allocated to the UFA in order to keep Union-Run Welfare Fund (RSBF) Creditable, were legally used for ALL Former Active Firefighters' Dental, Eyeglass and Rx coverage. The moneys could have actually been spent on office furniture, as there weren't any restrictions, according to the law.

All Former Active Firefighters SAVED the RSBF by using the VA, getting generic Rx's, asking physicians for sample medicines and even having to choose which Rx's they could afford to take. While FAF were trying to SAVE the RSBF, the UFA continued to accept ridiculous funding for the RSBF, from the City. (The last 51 month contract saw two measly $80 increases)

The RSBF has now been built-up to $15M (Thanks to FAF)... but lo and behold... the UFA failed to keep the RSBF Creditable and Medicare Eligible FAF have been thrown into a Medicare Part D Rx Plan (Silverscript).

All of this took place while the DEMOCRAT Run Congress and President (Endorsed by the UNIONS) are planning to cut MEDICARE FUNDING by $500B. Hopefully, the UFA has not used another tactic in order to SPLIT Former Active Firefighters AGAIN, resulting in the RSBF Rx Plan becoming better, in any way, than the Medicare Part D Silverscript Plan. Remember (hopefully), ALL Active and Former Active Firefighters will, one day, become Medicare Eligible.

Plan Ahead, Stay Safe, Stay Well and STAY UNITED !

COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS ON WTC REMAINS

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:18:00 +0000

N.Y. Appeals Court Hears Arguments on WTC Remains

A lawyer has asked a federal appeals court to let families of victims of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks remove the remains of their loved ones from a garbage dump.
Attorney Norman Siegel told the three-judge panel in Manhattan today that 17 families he represents want fine particles of debris containing remains to be taken away from a garbage dump on Staten Island to a more respectful place.

A lower court judge had ruled that it was not an issue for the court to decide.

At one point today, city lawyer Jim Tyrrell referred to the debris as "undifferentiated dirt."

Siegel said it was as if relatives were left on top of garbage.

The court did not immediately rule.

PBA, UFA & UFOA ARE POWERLESS UNIONS

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:35:00 +0000

NYSUT... TEACHERS
(Click Here)

Signaling its biggest victory since the COLA in 2000, NYSUT successfully lobbied to permanently protect retiree health insurance from being diminished unless in-service members negotiate a reduction in their own health insurance as well.

"A lot of retirees fought for more than 15 years to make this permanent," said NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, whose office oversees retiree issues for the union.

"It's a miracle," said Manny Darwin, president of Retiree Council 20. "I don't know how NYSUT did it. I congratulate them."

"Retirees really appreciate everything NYSUT did to get this passed," Eileen Darwin said. "We never, ever gave up and we're very grateful."

WE MUST RISE UP AGAINST THE TRIAL:

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:11:00 +0000

It's time for 9/11 families to fight Holder's dangerous move
(Click Here For Entire Article - by Debra Burlingame)

How dare the attorney general suggest that the firefighters who oppose this trial need to "man up" and let this avowed enemy of America mock their brother firefighters in the country's most magisterial setting, a federal court.

Let me refresh the attorney general on the meaning of courage. Courage was going into those buildings that day, knowing they might not come out alive. Courage was digging for nine months on hands and knees, breathing in toxic smoke, to find the ravaged remains of brother firefighters, police officers, citizen responders and office workers. This courage was not summoned from false bravado; it sprang from an abiding love of their fellow human beings and a sense of obligation to them, their families and their beloved country.

9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America

KING DISGUSTED WITH OBAMA DECISION

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Rep. King 'Disgusted' by Terror Trial in NYC

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., joined a chorus of condemnation Friday over the Obama administration's decision to try five Sept. 11 suspects in New York City, not far from ground zero itself.

King, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, told Politico.com he was upset that accused terrorists would enjoy the same rights as U.S. citizens. He said President Barack Obama was "caving into political correctness and the left-wing base of his political party." He also warned that the area srrounding the courthouse would turn into a "circus."

“I am really disgusted by it,” he told Politico. "To me, it’s truly an insult to the memory of those killed on 9/11."

GIULIANI CALLS OBAMA PLAN INCOMPETENT

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Giuliani: 9/11 Trials in NYC Will Lead to More Terrorism
(Click Here for Entire Article)

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani blasted the Obama administration on Friday for its decision to try five Sept. 11 suspects in New York, saying that such a trial would only encourage terrorists to target the city once again.

THOUSAND POINTS OF RIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:06:00 +0000

DEPENDENT HEALTH COVERAGE UP-TO AGE 29... IT's THE LAW !

Former Active Firefighters waiting to hear, from our UNIONS or NYC, about the Health Care Bill signed by Gov. Paterson... Don't hold your breath ! Listen-up ! I called the City today and those affected by the bill will be able to include their dependents, up to 29 years of age, on their insurance... effective JULY 1, 2010. No word on the details, but this is IMPORTANT information and we had to find-out about it ourselves ! How shameful !

Since there are not many, if any, Active Firefighters with children over 19 or 23 (if attending college), then Former Active Firefighters can be assured that they will not hear a whisper about this bill's passage... from either the Unions OR The City !!! jg

UFA - RSBF - MEDICARE - SILVERSCRIPT

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +0000

THOUSAND POINTS OF RIGHT

RSBF or Silverscript Medicare Part D Rx Plan ?

Brothers !,

Two letters were sent-out by the UFA, and it would have taken only another 1/2 page to explain why the RSBF is no longer CREDITABLE. Have the numbers been fudged ???

What happened in less than a year, especially since the RSBF has seen a marked improvement due to retirees absorbing DEDUCTIBLES & CO-PAYS, and having turned to the VA, asked for sample Rx's from their doctors, switched to generic Rx's, etc, etc... and this is OUR reward ??? Is the UFA using a scare tactic against the elderly, by stating that Medicare Eligible FDNY Retirees MUST send in a copy of their Medicare Card NOW... OR they will not have Rx coverage on January 1, 2010 ??? What kind of skulduggery is this ?? Why such a rush, when this COULD be accomplished next year, after Former Active Firefighters (FAF) have received the proper information, in a timely manner and without threats???

Is it possible that the Silverscript Medicare Part D Rx Plan is better than the RSBF... Maybe... but even if it is, will it be as good as the RSBF next year or years to come ??? Over $1,500 is given by the City, each year, to both Active (SBF) and Retiree Funds (RSBF). Additionally, the UFA receives Medicare Incentive Moneys for all Medicare Eligible Retirees. That reimbursement money is then placed into the RSBF for ALL Former Active Firefighters. Therefore, it is clear that each Medicare Eligible Retiree has well over $2,000 placed in the RSBF, each year, by the City & Fed. Will the Fed continue to pay incentive moneys? Has the Silverscript Plan been purposefully massaged to make the RSBF NON-CREDITABLE ? Have they somehow manipulated these moneys in order to make a Creditable Plan... Non-Creditable?? The UFA has conspicuously avoided these queries and any input whatsoever from the URFA.

Whenever the unions foist something on Former Active Firefighters... YOU can be sure it is good for the UNION ! Period !
Whenever the union can splinter Former Active Firefighters... they will ! For the union's sake!
Whenever the union can foresee that Former Active Firefighters moneys can be manipulated into Active Raises, will they try? It could ensure votes!

If the UFA is not willing to share this simple info about OUR formerly CREDITABLE fund, then I'm still calling for an INJUNCTION by the URFA Health Benefit Protection and Enhancement Committee and/or an IMMEDIATE meeting with the UFA for an explanation... that's the least WE DESERVE !

Has every FAF contributed to the Health Protection & Enhancement Committee of the URFA, or will the few always have to Protect the Many ??? The Keystone-FDNY-FAF proudly has a 100% contribution rate! Keystone members sent their contributions to The URFA (United Retired Firefighters Association) - 40 Holden Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314. Keystone firmly believes that representation in the URFA and protection of FAF benefits is essential now more than ever before.

In Friendship & Brotherhood,
Stay well !

John Gilleeny, Pres.
Keystone-FDNY-FAF

NOTE:

CREDITABLE: Prescription drug coverage is creditable if the actuarial value of the coverage equals or exceeds the actuarial value of standard prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, as demonstrated through the use of generally accepted actuarial principles and in accordance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) actuarial guidelines. In general, the actuarial equivalence test measures whether the expected amount of paid claims under the employer's prescription drug coverage is at least as much as the expected amount of paid claims under the standard Part D benefit.

SILVERSCRIPT: There are 3 different Plans... which one is it ??? Why do we have to wait weeks for a simple explanation especially when Retiree Leaders could have been able to LOOK-IT-UP ON-LINE... Why didn't UFA simply provided FAF with the LINK, in their 2 letters, instead of having to wait a few weeks for a booklet ? Evidently, they did not want to give FAF the time to RESEARCH this.

REMARKS: I have already received an email from a Former Active Firefighter - Officer:

John,

In January 2009, the ufoa put my spouse and myself into Medicare Part D involuntarily.
Had no inkling of this fact until my spouse was refused a prescription by scripts.
I had all to do to undo this fiasco.
As a result, we had to drop out of the ufoa plan. Fortunately, we have other more extensive drug coverage than is offered by the ufoa (city).
I know a few other ufoa members who experienced the same problem with the ufoa managed drug plan.

(Name omitted to protect the innocent)

9/11 RESCUE WORKERS

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

9/11 Rescue Workers Twice as Likely to Have Asthma
(Click Here for Entire Article)

Up to 8% of Ground Zero responders, restoration workers and clean-up crew members have reported post-9/11 asthma, whereas only 4% of the population-at-large has the lung ailment. What's more, about 3% of first responders said they had asthma before 9/11, but up to 16% were diagnosed from 2005 to 2007. The research is based on the federally-funded World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program, which monitors 20,843 workers.

COAAP-UFA-UFOA-NYC

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:12:00 +0000

THOUSAND POINTS OF RIGHT

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

The Thousand Points of Right will add the words which were conspicuously omitted from this picture!

The photo appeared in the last “Firelines”, issue #2 of 2009 (rec’d 9/09), and it depicts three firefighters donating $69,000 to the honorable UFA - Elsasser Fund. They are pictured with representatives of the UFA and UFOA. This Unholy Alliance was not explained in the caption below the photo, so if the UFA and COAPP are ashamed to clarify this despicable association, then someone should finally explain how two groups of gutter dwellers, melded into a cadre of jealous thieves, viscous Anti-LOD hypocrites and solely pro-active firefighters (for votes).

The COAPP-VSF group’s SOLE reason for existence was/is to ensure the exclusion of Disability Retirees from obtaining rightful pension monies. These union pawns actually donated moneys to stop others from obtaining the VSF benefit and they have the cojones to continue to parade around like they have accomplished something good. What they have accomplished is to scar the meaning of Brotherhood, in retirement, forever.

To think that some Service Retirees can continue to take pictures with the UFA & UFOA and make philanthropic donations to a charity, with tainted moneys, is deplorable! If it isn’t deplorable, then COAPP and the Unions should share the names of those Service Retirees who contributed to COAPP and send that list out to ALL Firehouses and ALL retirees? C’mon, we’d all like to know the names of these honorable retirees, who donate their pension monies to worthy charities! After all, COAAP Members are a history making group, as they are the first and only group of FDNY firefighters to take a legal action against their own brothers (BMA).

When did this unholy alliance begin? Well, quite simply, after years of battling for legislation (VSF Inquiry Bill), LODD and NLOD retirees were finally given but ONE CHOICE… take steps in court, in order to obtain a so called pension benefit (VSF), which was rightfully theirs. Why was it necessary to go to court? C’mon, we all know that the City, UFA and UFOA finally had to go public and oppose the Inquiry Bill. Why? The bill had the support of too many legislators interested in finding out if they had actually altered a CBA, back in 1970 - 72. The Inquiry bill had passed unanimously in the Assembly in two legislative years but was tied-up in committee in the Senate. Tied-up? lol ! The legislators told the unions… hey, take a stand on this issue… or we’re going to be forced into voting for the Inquiry!

So, while the UFA told firefighters, in the Firelines, that their attorneys advised them to remain neutral and not take sides over a retiree issue, the UFA issued (clandestinely) a “Letter of Opposition” (to the VSF Inquiry Bill) to all N.Y. State legislators. It wasn’t until 3 weeks after the letter was distributed, that disability retirees got a hold of a copy. Retirees then called-for and had a meeting with the UFA to discuss the VSF and Inquiry Bill. The UFA was unaware that those disability members, in attendance, had a copy of their “Letter of Opposition”. Still, the UFA lied to their faces, at the meeting, until they were presented with their own letter. They (UFA) left the board-room and came back 15 minutes later and shamefully Confessed that the UFA Board had changed its mind and were now opposing the Inquiry Bill. What a joke! Disability retirees had been led down a path wrought with lies and deception. Not much different than the lies and deception foisted on Service Retirees, who were told that their VSF benefit MIGHT be diminished if Disability Retirees were not kept excluded. What a despicable tactic… and, of course, Service retirees fell for it… hook-line and sinker. COAPP obtained their 30 pieces of silver and the unions had moneys that could be made available to them through contract negotiations, and the City (their Silent Partner) would be able to keep all the excess VSF (Defined Benefit) moneys… so far, more than $6 BILLION !

Who would be against an INQUIRY ? (City-Unions-COAAP) And for what reason? Money is always the reason, but It was never about if there was enough moneys for ALL retirees. There was plenty! It was all about who could clip some of those pension moneys for their own use. The City had grandiose dreams and the unions knew they could get a piece of the action for their active members (votes), if they let the City abscond with retirees’ pension moneys. As for COAAP members; they were just an envious flock of fools. What a trio! The City, Unions and COAAP Service Retirees… all on the same team! Wow !

The following is taken from COAPP’s letter to Service Retirees; “THIS IS A VERY, VERY SERIOUS SITUATION!! THEY ARE OUT TO GET YOUR MONEY BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE!! They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We on the other hand have the V.S.F. to lose, which would be CATASTROPHIC!!.” “If anyone, active or retired tells you they do not have an opinion on this matter, or say they are neutral, then, they are either a disability retiree, are scheming to become a disability retiree or a contract is in.” by... BC Carlo (I'm not a Crook) Andersen, Dan De Rosso, John Delaney, Charles O'Donnell, Jim McHugh, Sal Lomonaco, Bill Senk, Joe Morrison, Stan Nielson, Bill Connolly, Robert Koeth, Tony Loguercio, Frank Fleming, Bill Raymond, Joe Palumbo, Frank Perry, Vinnie Slizewski, Tim Harrigan, et al ! Will the others please stand-up and take a bow ! How outrageous! How shameful ! On the brighter side, most Service Retirees welcomed an inquiry, in order to put the issue to rest.

Remember, the VSF Inquiry was not an ad-on bill, it was simply an Inquiry! No amount of rhetoric or innuendo can change that fact! It did not have the power to expand the VSF nor could it award any moneys to anyone. It was empowered solely with the duty to review the original CBA and legislative history and decide who the eligible beneficiaries of the Fund were. Period! If the Inquiry concluded that the contract, and legislative history, specifically stipulated that the VSF benefit was for Service Retirees only, that would have ended the Inquiry. But NO, the unions forced Fire Disability Retirees into court and the courts continually fell-back on the Police VSF action, which concluded that their CBA was silent as to who the beneficiaries of the fund {VSF} were, and it was the legislation that made the exclusion. Fire Disability Retirees have been forever trapped by a perfect Catch-22, while the City, Unions and COAAP continue to oppose any form of inquiry. So, as many times as this issue has been brought to the courts and for the many avenues that were approached in order to get into court… drum roll, please… LOD and NLOD retirees have never been able to present evidence or have Discovery. Never!

COAPP Service Retirees should have retired, enjoyed their pension, family and friends, but no, they were too obsessed with unwarranted jealousy, and evidently enjoyed some vicarious thrill of being herded around like sheep by the unions. Well, their job is done and if COAAP has finally unloaded its War Chest, they can only take this to the bank… The unions and city are finished with you now, so don’t call them… they’ll call you. Oh… and keep the 30 pieces of silver! Trick or Treat !!!??? jg

9/11 FAMILY MEMBERS OUTRAGED

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:10:00 +0000

9/11 Family Members Outraged at Exclusion of Ranks at 9/11 Memorial Museum
(Click Here - Your Help is Desperately Needed - Please Write and Call the List of Representatives)

... the most critically time-sensitive issue discussed is how the names of the victims will be listed on the 9/11 Memorial. We again stated our position that the ranks of first responders and military personnel must be listed preceding their names. Additionally, we reiterated our request that the age of each victim be listed, and for non-uniformed victims, the company and the floor where they worked. Unfortunately, our request for this deserved recognition was again denied.

FORMER ACTIVE FIREFIGHTERS - WAKE UP !

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Retired Public Employees Association
(Click Here for Entire Article)

... A closer comparison might be the New York City systems. If you remember, two of the problems we needed to overcome on our way to COLA were the aforementioned NYCOM and the under-funded NYC systems. NYC opposed the COLA because of the additional amount they would have to contribute to their systems to pay for COLA whereas our Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System already had adequate funds in their possession. The reason the NYC systems were short is that they are run by a Board of Trustees that include city representatives and employee representatives. These representatives acted to short-change the funding of the City Retirement Systems in exchange for raises for current employees that the city otherwise could not afford. ... (RPEA)

THOUSAND POINTS OF RIGHT

Former Active Firefighters who received the recent (Sept. 2009) COLA adjustment of 1% (on $18,500) can now thank the UNIONS for opposing an increase to this shameful adjustment, for the past 8 years. As for the original COLA 2000, you can re-assure yourselves that the City was not the only one to oppose it ! As a matter of fact, the UNIONS fought to have the original proposed COLA 2000 reduced to its current level... and then they took the usual photo-ops... as if they had supported it. jg

PATERSON SIGNS HEALTH BILL

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS LEGISLATION TO MAKE HEALTH INSURANCE MORE AFFORDABLE AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
(Click Here for Entire Article)

Insure Dependents through Age 29:

This law, outlined by the Governor in his State of the State address, requires insurers to allow unmarried children through age 29 regardless of financial dependence to be covered under a parents group health insurance policy. Young adults ages 19 to 29 represent 31 percent of uninsured New Yorkers. They often become ineligible for coverage under their parents policies at age 19 or upon high school or college graduation, find themselves in entry-level jobs that do not provide employer-based health insurance, and cannot afford to pay premiums for individual insurance policies which are much more expensive than group policies. Under the new law, premiums will be paid for by families, not employers, and would cost less because coverage is under group policies rather than individual policies. The law also requires insurers to offer employers an option to purchase coverage that includes young adults as dependents in family policies through age 29.

THOUSAND POINTS OF RIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:15:00 +0000

NOT A WHISPER

Former Active Firefighters are waiting for some information about the passage of the aforementioned bill signed by Gov. Paterson. Does it affect NYC employees and retirees??? The change-over period is right now and this would be the time to make any changes in health plan coverage. If it is for ALL NY State and City employees and retirees, what is the cost ??? Would it be similar to the widow's coverage, which is 100% of the City's cost plus a 2% administration fee??? Since there are not many, if any, Active Firefighters with children over 19 or 23 (if attending college), then Former Active Firefighters can be assured that they will not hear a whisper about this bill's passage... from either the Unions OR The City !!! jg

9-11 COURT FILINGS EXTENDED

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:02:00 +0000

NY Opens Window for State Court Filings of 9-11 Injury Lawsuits
(Click Here for Entire Article)

People who were injured by exposure to asbestos and other toxic materials during rescue and clean-up efforts following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City, but failed to meet lawsuit filing deadlines, have been given a new chance to seek compensation for their injuries.

Gov. David A. Paterson recently signed into law a bill that opens a one-year window in state courts for the filing of cases which would otherwise be barred by statutes of limitation.

IS VULCAN ATTORNEY BLACK ?

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Mayor Bloomberg Never Thought FDNY Exams Were 'Biased'
(Click Here for Entire Article)

Richard Levy, the attorney for the Vulcan Society, a fraternal organization of black firefighters, noted that the fire commissioner and chief of department were white.

"Appears to be," Bloomberg replied. "I have never asked his {their} ethnicity."

9-11 TOLL STILL CLIMBING

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:07:00 +0000

Toll Still Climbing for Heroes
(Click Here for Entire Article)

More than 800 World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers have died since 9/11 -- and cancer has killed at least 270 of those heroes, new data show.

The figures also show that 33 WTC responders committed suicide.

State researchers have tallied 817 deaths of workers and volunteers who toiled at toxic Ground Zero or the Fresh Kills landfill, where rubble was sifted.

Thousand Points of Right

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:41:00 +0000

KEYSTONE: WAY AHEAD OF IT'S TIME !
(Click Here)

SHARITA SUES FDNY

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Widow Sues FDNY, Claims Racist Training Killed Husband
(Click Here for Entire Article)

The widow of a probationary firefighter who died last November during training says racism killed her husband, and she's suing the New York City Fire Department for $10 million.

According to Ken Thompson, lawyer for Sharita Sears, her husband, Jamal Sears, died because new FDNY training policies called for more strenuous physical training than in the past, claiming that the new rules were specifically put in place to weed out minority trainees. His wife Sharita is a New York City police officer.

CBA & HEALTH INSURANCE

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:51:00 +0000

State Senator Defends Appointment as Chair of Pensions Committee
(Click Here for Entire Article)

While some critics have said opposition to a proposed fiscally friendly Tier 5 pension ranking is obstructionist, State Sen.Savino said changes in retirement and compensation packages for New Employees must be done through Collective Bargaining (Agreement), and by law are not a matter for the state Legislature.

"The New York state constitution prevents us from diminishing benefits," said Ms. Savino. "It is not appropriate for the Legislature to insert itself into the Collective Bargaining process."

Gov. David Paterson contends that, along with salary adjustments like workers making bigger contributions to their health insurance, such modifications could save the state millions in the coming years.

But Ms. Savino took issue with the cost-savings analysis, saying, "We will see no immediate change." "To expect the Legislature to do something that is essentially an end-run around collective bargaining cannot happen," said Ms. Savino.

MONEY & GREED ? GUILTY ?

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Prosecution Pins Fire on 'Money and Greed' in Black Sunday Trial

(Click Here for Entire Article)

A prosecutor in the Black Sunday fire trial Monday accused two Bronx tenants of causing the deaths of two firefighters by chopping up their apartments to make a few extra bucks.

Summing up the case, the prosecutor branded the tenants as greedy and negligent for turning their flats into a warren of rented rooms that trapped the doomed FDNY heroes.

"Caridad Coste and Rafael Castillo were motivated by money and greed," Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Glucksman said. "The firefighters were motivated by devotion to duty."

Coste's lawyer said the firefighters should have left when they started running out of air and would never have been in danger if broken fire hydrants had been working.

"The City of New York and the Fire Department should be sitting here," Knipping said, "not these poor defendants who have nothing to do with the fire."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thousand Points of Right

Another question, which begs to be answered, is why Bloomy insists on a policy of “Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell”, when it comes to Illegal Aliens residing and working in New York City ? This policy may entice thoughtless NYC residents to “chop-up” their apartments, so their Illegal relatives and friends can reside in those so aptly named… “Warren of Rented Rooms.” Is it possible that Bloomy’s policy is all about "Money and Greed", with an unwitting consequence of sacrificing Firefighters’ safety and lives?

Additionally, more than a million Illegal Aliens wreak havoc on the City and State’s Health Care costs. Let’s eradicate that cost to the City before we dare ask our Hero Firefighters and Police to pay a red cent for Health Coverage or question the dangers of their job. Period. jg

BLOOMY'S BUDGET PLAN

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Mayor Mike Bloomberg Lays Out Plan for New York City Budget

(Click Here for Entire Article)

As health care costs have exploded, as the range of health care services offered to employees has expanded, and as we have made public sector salaries more competitive with the private sector , city government can no longer afford to foot the entire bill.

We will honor pension obligations to all current workers and retirees. But for future hires, it is time to begin bringing the system in line with reality. Our proposal, which Gov. Paterson included in his executive budget, would require employees to make contributions to their retirement fund throughout their careers, which we would set at age 50 for uniformed workers.

Over the past two years, we've cut $2 billion from planned spending. This year we'll cut another $1 billion.

-------------------------------------------------------------

RETIREE ALLOCATED FUND BAILS-OUT NYC !

Thousand Points of Right

What about the $1.1 Billion Bloomy scoffed from the "Lock Box" for "Retiree's Future Health Care Costs"?? That money was used to balance "The City's" 2009 budget ! Hmmm, Where's the Headline... "Retiree Allocated Fund Bails-Out NYC" ? There's $1.4 Billion left in that fund. Will Bloomy confiscate the rest for the 2010 budget? The City is also in line to receive $3 to $4 Billion from the Stimulus package but Bloomy ain't sayin' nothin' 'bout that ! jg

LITTLE-KNOWN VETERANS' BENEFIT

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Little-Known Benefit Aids Veterans of Wars
(Click Here for Entire Article)

A little-known veterans’ benefit for long-term care expenses is available to wartime veterans and their spouses. But the benefit is being overlooked by thousands of families, industry observers say.

The Special Pension for Veterans’ Aid and Attendance pays up to $1,644 a month, $19,736 annually, toward assisted living, nursing homes or in-home care for veterans 65 and older who served at least 90 days and one day during wartime — stateside or overseas. Veterans and their spouses can receive up to $23,396 annually and spouses of deceased veterans, $12,681.

RAGING PENSION FIRE

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Raging Pension Fire
(Click Here for Entire NY Post Article)

More than 70 percent of firefighters who retired in the past five years did so on disabilities - hiking the cost of taxpayer-funded FDNY pensions to nearly $1 billion a year, a Post analysis shows.

"We are not embarrassed by this," said Jack McDonnell, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. Danger, injury and illness go along with the job, he said.

Pensions are funded with firefighter contributions of about 2 to 5 percent, the city contributions, and earnings from investments.

If a pension fund earns less than 8 percent a year, the city must make up the difference with more cash. City Comptroller Bill Thompson revealed Friday the city's five pension funds plunged a total 20% in the last six months of 2008 - from $101.9 billion to $82.5 billion. Taxpayers will be forced to plug the gap for years to come.