Assemblywoman Russell fights for local workers

In response to the state comptroller’s February decision to revoke pension benefits from employees of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed a bill to restore the retirement credit based on the workers’ years of service and the money they have paid into the state pension system (A.10017-A).

“These workers, at no fault of their own, have been caught up in a messy legal dispute,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “A possible mistake from almost two decades ago should not deny them the pensions they have worked for years to accrue. That would be inequitable and unjust.”

The 12 workers may not have been properly enrolled in the pension system when the positions were created, Assemblywoman Russell noted. However, the workers have been paying into the pension system for the duration of their employment and some have been working there for as long as 17 years. If signed into law, Assemblywoman Russell’s legislation would restore their retirement credits and allow the money to accrue through August 1st of this year.

“Families’ livelihoods and future financial stability are at stake,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Many are relying on this money to be there when they retire and, through no fault of their own, it could be gone in one fell swoop. Restoring these retirement credits is simply the right thing to do.”

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