Quoted Text

Public pensions should be taxed

First published in print: Thursday, March 19, 2009

There is a very easy way for the state to raise income. Tax public pensions the same as private pensions.
     
Private pensions are taxed after they exceed $20,000. Public pensions should be taxed on this same basis. Social Security benefits are subject to as much as 85 percent.

Public pensioneers are also able to take other public paying positions and still collect their pensions.

Let's stop the discrimination and tax both pensions the same. Why should private pensioners be taxed while public pensioneers get a free ride?

Norman Morand
Slingerlands

http://timesunion.com/AspStori.....p;newsdate=3/25/2009

Quoted Text

Taxing pensions isn't a solution

First published in print: Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Norman Morand (letter, March 19) — and others — would like to balance the budget on the backs of public servants by taxing our pensions.
     
While it may seem like a great and fair idea, here's the rub: Public employees already have had several weeks of pay held on the lag payroll to help the state out. We've also had many years of contracts that carried zero raises, or raises that did not keep up with inflation and rising costs because the state couldn't afford it. Add that to the fact that while we are working, most of us are paid less than what we could make in the private sector for the same work.

Tax my pension if you will, but you'll only drive me, and every other public pensioner right out of the state, into one of several others that do not tax our pensions. That will have a devastating effect on every community. Who will foot the bill then?

We've given enough, thank you.

Wanda Lubinski
Albany

http://timesunion.com/AspStori.....p;newsdate=3/25/2009

Oh please Wanda...let me help you leave the state. We won't miss you, but will be reminded of you in our high taxes. I hardly can believe that they would all leave if their pensions were taxed.

For God sakes...has anyone been down to Fla. lately? There are hundreds upon hundreds of retired state workers living there. Give mea break! They leave any way.

So to that Wanda....I say....'bye bye'!

I think the fish called Wanda should look to their 'servant leaders'.......ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha......as they continue to vote themselves raises and
other legislation to circumvent the $$ to their own pockets and friends pockets........