Most of those guys in the first few rows do not appear to be retirement-age. Do they get full pensions at 45?
The current system allows them to retire after 20 years of service, no matter how old they are.
“Bruce Ogni, a former police captain who retired six years ago on a disability pension after being injured on the job, said he “might as well go on public assistance” if the plan was approved.
“It’s just insane that this is happening in America,” said Mr. Ogni, 48. “How do I tell my children now that you get rewarded for doing the right thing? I did all the right things, and look how I’m getting rewarded”
This guy Ogni abandoned ship at age 42. Wonder if he’s the husky dude wearing white trainers in the second row? God Bless him if he is really “disabled” but call me skeptical, having seen and heard of so many abuses of “the system”
The most fiscally sound and humane thing you could do now is offer them back their own jobs (even part-time) in return for reduced pensions. Lay-off some younger workers to make room for them if necessary.
One of the stupidest things I see here in Pennsylvania is well connected 20 somethings making change on the Turnpike for wages only slightly less than what I make as a 50ish professional with an advanced degree.
Those are jobs which should be done by seniors or part-time retirees at a fraction of the cost. It is no secret around here that something like 80% or more of the turnpike tolls collected go to pay their bloated wages and benefits and 20% or less to maintain the roads.
The well-connected kids should go back to school or learn a useful trade to enhance their earning potential while they have a chance.
“Most of those guys in the first few rows do not appear to be retirement-age. Do they get full pensions at 45?”
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I have a sh!tload of ~ age 55 “retired” teachers and firefighters in my practice.
I’m tempted to tell them: “Don’t worry, I’ll keep working and paying taxes so you can enjoy worry free, your 30+ years of retirement.”