Two lawmakers who took office this month from Bristol are seeking legislation that would eliminate health and retirement benefits for themselves and other new members of the General Assembly.
State Sen. Jason Welch and state Rep. Whit Betts, both Republicans, proposed a measure that would ax the benefits "for newly-elected legislators assuming office on or after January 5, 2011."
The bill has been shipped to the appropriations committee.
Legislators earn $28,000 annually for their part-time job. They are also eligible for state pensions after serving more than a decade and, once they've put in 10 years in office, receive free health care for themselves and their spouse after age 55.
In addition to their pay and retirement benefits, legislators are entitled by Connecticut law to participate in the state's "group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan."
Under the proposal by Welch and Betts, new legislators would keep their current medical insurance but lost their pensions and retiree health coverage..
The bill would not apply to legislators who served before 2011 even if there was a gap in their legislative career.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
70 comments:
I predict... these two will have a hard time finding a seat in the LOB lunchroom.
Yep, make it so that only the rich and independently wealthy can run.
Guess you got yours, why worry about anyone elese!
C'mon, the local Republicans are just testing the idea for their local candidates this fall.
They know that will never pass . That's why they proposed it. I wish it would pass just to teach these $$$$$$$$$$$$ people a lesson.
Why cut benefits? $28K a year isn't much, so I agree with 10:00. It is a ploy to limit the post to the wealthy.
By making themselves out to be "thrifty," they actually look like giant douche bags.
I hope their fellow law-makers express their displeasure.
G.O.T.: Out!
Are these guys crazy? I am married to a man who was a phenomenal legislator, loved on both sides of the aisle and his constituents alike. He did not run for reelection because we could no longer afford to have him working 70+ hours a weeks for $28,000. The benefits were nice, yes, but this they were well deserved given the paltry salary. It is supposed to be a part time job but trust me, it is a more than full time job for the good legislators. Pretty soon, at this pay level you will certainly get only the independently wealthy or people who cannot make a living any other way. Mu husband could have made a lot of money as an attorney, he chose to serve the people. We could no longer afford to let him to it. It is a huge loss to the state and I am not the only one saying it.
Astonishing!
Elected members of the legislature doing what they said they'd do!
Imagine that!
11:50
It is easy, and devious, to propose things that won't pass.
But then, that is politics.
Can they reject these benefits on an individual basis?
At least some one is trying to make cuts not like our mayor who just keeps spending but its on union friends.
Figures. These men step up to the plate and the losers call them "devious," but, I guess that's politics for you!
Clearly these two Republicans are gearing up for proposing the cut of benefits for state workers.
To all the donkeys on here that think there is some wealthy ploy - its about saving the state money on part-time folks that serve and most likely are already getting benefits from their full-time employer. The stealing from tax payers needs to stop.
12.37 If they did they would only stay there for one term.
Hmmm Welch who put down $100.000 cash when he bought the house and works for LLoyds of London as an insurance claims adjuster and is a non-practicing Lawyer and Betts a rich member of the Barnes family can a fford to propose something that they know won't pass They only want the prestige. So folks let the rich take over the government and we can go back to slave labor while they get richer. Oh and which one the beauty or the beast proposed this or was it T.J. Barnes? Or did they both ?
NOBODY will work for nothing! Get that you two? Someone called you "Beauty and the Beast”. I call you "DUMB and DUMBER".
It certainly didn’t take you two long to show whose side you are on, certainly NOT the working man’s side. As anyone can see this hairbrained-idea will allow ONLY THE RICH TO RUN FOR OFFICE. THANKS GUYS for clarifying WHO YOU ARE and WHAT YOU STAND FOR so soon after your election.
Can we impeach these two right now? They obviously have no clue what they are in Hartford for.
1
12;37
But if they did reject their benefits, unilaterally, it would show that they are serious and would be setting a good example.
You 2 “actually” thought that was a good idea?
Was that "$100.000" or "$100,000" cash down for the Carpenter Estate bought by Welch?
Thank You Jason & Whit for doing what you said you would.
This is only for after people retire from the General Assembly. Has nothing to do with while you are serving only after you serve and have retired. How does this make it so only the rich can run? Are you saying all the Dems are up there for the benefits?
No wonder why the state is almost bankrupt, can't even cut future benefits for part time elected officials.
I can relate to the comments from the wife of the former legislator, because I stepped down from the City Council in 2009 partly because I couldn't give the job the amount of time I felt it deserved - even though that was more than some of my colleagues. But if you had offered me a raise or benefits, I still would have stepped down. We don't do it for the money. So good for you, Jason and Whit. Go for it.
Class act! Thank you gentlemen.
To 3:44 Sorry but I'm only Human that was $100,000.00 cash.
Craig Minor . Said like a true republican. You really believe it?
4:10 Can't you understand the proposal?
1:31 Yeah , yeah, yeah and wht have you givin up? Hypocrite
@ Anonymous Pls explain how you have arrived at the conclusion that proposing to cut legislator benefits will limit the office to the wealthy. I am sure the bill will not pass because the newly elected democrats would be affected by it. We know it is easier for some democrats to give up their first born than it would be to forgo a pension or free health insurance
While I appreciate what these two says they are doing, it's hard for me to give much credence to a guy like Whit-less Betts who's married to a Barne$$$ and obviously doesn't need these benefits or a job. The same goes for Trust-fund TJ when he talks about people on state assistance. What does he know or care about being unemplyed or poor? His wife booted him out and gramps gives him the house near his mansion. And he's doling out the tax-payers money for peoples pensions? It's so funny I could cry.
The other strange thing is how these two candidate seem to be joined at the hip. Is there nothing they don't do together? Is this some kind of strange Barne$$ commune?
Bristol's own "Odd Couple".
I bet Welch stayed up late at night thinking up THAT piece of garbage. Does he think the Bristol voters are dumb? He fooled the voters once BUT NOT AGAIN. Get rid of him.
Craig,
and what cuts did you support while on teh council?
The question that needs to be answered is...Why do State tax payers that have had their taxes go up, along with higher insurance premiums, most have not even received raises in 2 years unless you are part of a Union that had a contract have to pay for elected officials pensions and health insurance just because they decided they wanted to run? If anyone can give me an educated answer I am all ears.
This legislation may not become law, but it should. Our newly elected legislators are doing what they said they would, what a refreshing change! Cut the pork! Get out the buckets! In two years I hope the state will have more elected officials like these two.
betts and welch, great idea, that will make a big dent on the economy! and in your political carriers...we wonder how long it took you both to come up with that!
9:05 Theres nothing that says they can't give up their benifit plans. And to the jerk that moans about the Unions all the time. try to make sense will you? All the legislators are non-union. Even your republican friends. Defend them all you want but try to tell the truth as hard as that is for you.
outclagI'm amazed that these make believe critics don't have the courage to sacriface and run. I think they just like to use people to do their dirty work.
8:58
Bcause people like you don't get involved , work for candidates, or run.
thank you jason and whit,as the gov.malloy said we all have to share in the sacriface
As an employer, I offer benefits to my full-time employees and not to my part-time employees. I believe this is common practice. Our state legislators hold part-time positions, and therefore should not have benefits.
Passing this would discourage career politicians, and those are the ones who seem to lean toward the unethical side. At the very least, they owe favors all around. One, two or three terms is enough, then get out.
I agree with Betts and Welch: axe the benefits.
tratoGo ahead and ax axhole you haven't given a thing! 10:53 is going to ax himself out of screwing people. You run !
Democrats can't stand any cost cutting measures.
I find it hard to believe that part-time elected officials for state of CT that this is their only job. If this is their only job - they are would be living in poverty, correct? I do not ever reading that any of are elected state officials were living in poverty! I am all for cutting the pension and health benefits for elected officials. I am also all for getting rid of any perks other then a parking space for elected part-time officials in Bristol.
11:18 Now that we know you are against everything what are you willing to give up?
Good Old Tom said:
Why cut benefits? $28K a year isn't much.
They're paid only for the time they're in session which is a total of 8 months over 2 years.
Do the math, that's 28K for 4 months or only one-third of a year which works out to 84K per-year for the amount of time worked.
You think they deserve MORE?
To Authentic Republican moaner . You don't have to convince me that you don't do anything.
Well Said 9:32 AM...THANK YOU!!! I Wish More People Felt The Same Way and LISTENED To Our Governor When He Spoke About "Share The Sacrifice"...I TRULY Believe That This Is The ONLY Way To Come Together and To Get "OUR" State Out Of The "RED"...Thanks Again!!!
Still waiting to see what 9:32 is sharing. Nothing but his misery. Republicans used to Love Hamzy now it's "We love youu odd couple" And what are they sharing?
Although I appreciate the thought, this is grand-standing at best.
How about some real solutions to the state's $3 billion deficit?
Flash!!!
Bristol gets an aard for having the most grandstanding legislators.
Came in second when it was just Nicastro, but now Bristol has run away with the title!
Welch and Betts have one thing in common,they both married into money.Stop wasting the tax payers money on bills that have no chance of coming out of committee.
Welch and Betts have more than one thing in common; they also want to see Connecticut get out of the red without raising taxes. And that's music to my ears!
10:27 Welch and Betts have one thing for sure in common........YOU! Certainly nothing to brag about!
Welch and Betts have another thing in commom and that's they are republicans and tea party wannabes.
Thank you Jason and Whit for the start. I doubt you will ever please those negatively commenting.
Thank you for listening to us the people and trying to keep expenses down.
11:52 LMAO Will you listen to yourself? You are nothing but negative unless it's your own republican odd couple. I guess you just can't take what you dish out.
Go Whit and Jason!
What amazes me is that nobody touched upon the fact that as an elected representative of the people it is YOUR duty to SERVE us. You and only you made the decision to become a public servant so you know what is expected of the job. It was in my opinion never meant to be a benefit laden 10 years and out gig. Are you kidding me? That is representing the people.? If you don't want to do it step down and let someone else that does want to do it step up.
9:10 You are right . Jason and Betts should go........away or do something!
I've supported and voted for Republicans 99% or more of the time. But for some reason I still am looking forward to at least one of these two to lose.
What a bunch of lame jerks these 2 turned out to be! Like that's ever going to fly! If this is all they have to offer for "New Ideas" (isn't that what they campaigned on??) I can see the legislature populated by ONLY THE RICH. This "idea" will severely limit the people who will run for office to ONLY THE RICH. Is this what their "New Ideas" are all about? …GETTING THEIR RICH BUDDIES TO RUN FOR OFFICE?
Thanks for showing your TRUE COLORS early on jerks. Now we can get started removing you from office. Yes that means you, WELCH & BETTS. We should have known better electing Betts, a Barnes CLONE. Shame on the voters for believing their CRAP.
The word is BETSS won't even read this blog. BETSS says he doesn't care what people say about him!? Yeah and he forgot to add HE DOESN'T CARE about helping the working POOR either!!! Creep!
Do the working poor a favor and go back to your farm BETSS.
While I don't agree with the comments at 9:58 and 10:04 (probably the same person), I agree that Whit Betts is not the greatest person to "carry the flag" for(in Connecticut) less government, less spending and thus private sector job creation. The "working poor" would be wise (unless of course they're happy living on state assistance and in their current role) to adhere to the pricipals of fiscal conservatism and pro-capitalism than that of the ultra-liberal, leftist, union agenda of the Democrat party. The question is if Betts had the competence or is the right person to lead the conservative agenda. Time will tell. Grand-standing does little for me, but perhaps it's the right message for the weaker minded majority?
Awesome job, Whit and Jason!
Anybody wanna bet it don't pass? This is a perfect example of "smoke and mirrors" They can refuse their Bennys and salary if they are serious.("Which we know they're not")
1:31 You should talk about stealing money.You sure know how to do it legaly!
Look at the money the State would save on Welch alone ? Much less his clone Betts , Fitchgerald and their families!
We? Who's we ? And what are you willing to sacrifice ? You are nothing! Period. Only a mouth in the dark! And those who agree with you can't be any different.
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