Thursday, December 26, 2013

Forever benefits for part-time and termed politicians, very Santa like


San Jose Mercury News Salary Survey/Thomas Peele (with acknowledgement to Daniel J. Willis, Staff writer), 12/26/13.  "Former part-time pols in Bay Area 
Poinsettia Stamps (Booklet of 20)
We value your termed service forever

....  "An investigation by this newspaper found Bay Area taxpayers spent more than $1.5 million last year on health benefits for former part-time elected officials -- and, in many cases, their dependents. In fact, the newspaper discovered, in 19 instances, taxpayers still paying for dependents' health care for politicians who not only are no longer serving the public -- they are no longer alive.

....  Just how lucrative the lifetime benefit can be depends on how long an elected official served, when they left office, and the nitty-gritty of each agency's rules.  In some cases, governments pay the entire cost of coverage, while others pay a share of it through the California Public Employees Retirement System. .... The head of a national government watchdog questioned why former part-time elected officials would receive such benefits in the first place."   Read article.  Charts included.   Fortunately Pacifica is not in the top 10 on this one. 

Related - Poinsettia forever stamp from the United States Postal Service,  USPS.com.  "The U.S. Postal Service® continues its tradition of issuing classic holiday stamps with this bright and cheerful rendering of America's favorite holiday flower, the poinsettia.

The stamp art depicts the rich red and vibrant green leaves surrounding the flower—the cluster of small, rather modest cup-shaped structures in the center. The red “petals” that we think of as the flower are actually modified leaves called bracts. A potted poinsettia was used as art reference.  

While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be a symbol of purity, the poinsettia today symbolizes good cheer. The gift of a poinsettia is said to bring with it wishes of laughter and celebration.Note:  stamp graphic from this book of 20.


Posted by Kathy Meeh

3 comments:

Hutch said...

"most are part-time, a status that in the private sector rarely qualifies one for such generous post-employment benefits."


This ridiculousness has to stop. Taxpayers are being screwed and it ain't in a fun way. Revolt!

Anonymous said...

There was talk a couple years ago about the state tackling this rip off as part of public pension reform. What happened? Pretty outrageous. We vote in the politicians and then they vote in their own juicy benefits including those lifetime pensions. No wonder they go easy on the unions! It's more of that 'help me get mine and I'll help you get yours' strategy at the bargaining table. Wonder if Council still partakes?

Anonymous said...

Be interesting to see Pacifica's participants in this scam (if any).

There should be no health care paid for anyone no longer an employee, full or part time.