I’m not sure. Every time I read these public pension stories, they say the state constitution prohibits retracting public employee benefits, once granted.
If that were amended to say those benefits COULD be retracted, then I’m not sure a union contract would stand in the way. When the contract expires, cuts could be imposed. Sure, there would be tons of legal battles. But I’m not sure it’s impossible.
At least amending it would make future give-aways retractable. And I’d really like the part about giving the public a say on any pay/benefit increases. But then, I’m one who thinks taxpayers should be able to take back some of those overly-generous pensions from people who’ve already retired. It makes me sick to think of some bureaucrat pulling down more than $100k from age 55 til he or his spouse dies.
Worthwhile for that purpose, if nothing else.