Press release just issued by state Senate hopeful Jason Welch and state House contender Whit Betts:
GOP: Kill Legislative Pensions. (Bristol) Two of Bristol’s candidates for the General Assembly, State Senate nominee, Jason Welch (31st. Senatorial) and State Representative candidates Whit Betts (R-78) today issued a joint statement concerning Connecticut’s fiscal crisis.
Whit Betts, the candidate vying to replace long-time Representative Bill Hamzy mentioned that when the General Assembly was formed it was supposed to be made up of Connecticut citizens from all walks of life. “The General Assembly is a Representative form of government,” Betts continued, “Our founding fathers never intended for it to be a career position.”
Welch echoed Betts sentiments.
In the joint statement, the candidates are advocating that if they are elected to the General Assembly next month they will introduce legislation to remove members of the General Assembly from the state pension plan.
“This position at its very core is a part time position, “Republican state senate candidate Jason Welch added, “If it’s a part time position then why should the members of the General Assembly receive a pension?”
Betts added that the move would help save pension funds over the years. “This General Assembly has abdicated its responsibilities with regards to funding the state pension system. Betts continued, “They have turned their backs on the retirees of Connecticut and part time elected members of the General Assembly should not be receiving a golden parachute for a position that was never meant to be a career.”
The Republican State Senate nominee stated that this proposal is being put forth as an act of fairness. “Our intention is to keep the promises made to the current legislators and change it for the next class,” Welch added, “With the budget deficit near record numbers and state spending cap being shattered by the Democratic controlled General Assembly we need to lead by example.”
Betts added, “If the General Assembly cannot reduce its own spending and benefits how can we ask other state employees and agencies to do the same?”
In conclusion, Welch mentioned that this is the real difference this year between the Republican candidates and the Democratic candidates. “We are working as a team to offer comprehensive solutions to the problems facing Connecticut,” Welch concluded, we will be working together to represent the interests of our constituents – no more talk, it’s time for action.”
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
20 comments:
Gee, too bad they didn't include their fellow Republican candidates in this announcement.
Guess it is "all about me".
While the idea may have merit, it benefits the rich who can seek office and not worry about their future.
Also, saving are out in the future.
Did they provide any idea ofthe numbers, how much and when?
Or are they just pandering?
Hurrah!!! Thank you Whit and Jason! Common sense is so refreshing, I can't wait to vote for you! Thank you both for putting yourselves out there and giving 100% to this campaign. I know you'll give 100% as our legislators.
It must be nice to have enough money that you don't have to worry about things like a pension.
It is a PART TIME job!!! Only part time job I know that comes with a pension. Get rid of pensions, why should people who are ELECTED to serve people, many who don't get pensions get a pension?
Nice timeing After Ed Karwiecki recieves $9870 per year pension and full medical benifits the Conservatives call for it to end
10:14, its called work for yourself be sucesfull invest wisley and you will chump anything the goverment coud throw at ya. 37 almost retired
Like Blumenthal, Betts lives off his wife's momey.
It's interesting that they left out the Health Benefits Package, that's worth more than the pension and just as expensive for the State to maintain.
Most people today don't have pensions, but rather social security and 401k's. Pensions were a nice perk for government workers but in this economy, it doesn't make sense. I don't see anyone rich running here in Bristol. Enough with the class envy game. We all see through that. In this economy most of us are working twice as hard for half the money we used to earn. If that isn't bad enough, the politicians want more and more of it. Enough is enough.
8:00
Betts family isn't rich???
And butying a $500,000 house without having a lot of money isn't rich?
Colapietro lives off his tax-payer bailed out GM pension and someday (perhaps) his tax payer Legislative pension. No wonder he's against "cuts"!
What's wrong can't take it?
Oh it's cryin time again.
No bennies for children either?
If Colapietro didn't do anything it would be more than the GOP and Welch! Didn't he just move here?
Just curious! How much is Hamzy getting ? Benefits for him and his family and his pension to boot? Funny you clowns aren't complaining about that. But we know GOP thinks they can do anything they want but no one else right?
No "Kill bennies for children?" Oh I fogot Colapietro doesn't have any children on his benefit plan.He has 2 ? And Welch would have 9 ? Where's the cost here?
Didn't Tommy just move here? I thought he was living in Terryville.
5:54 Ha Ha Ha Duh!
Hey dummy even if he did it was 5 years ago. And he was even in the district then. Was Welch ?
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