Gov. Hochul Vetoes Police Pension Bill Amid Union Criticism

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill on Friday that would have granted specialized police officers in the state enhanced retirement benefits, allowing them to retire with full pensions after 20 years of service instead of the current 25-year requirement. The bill, which had been supported by the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA), was aimed at officers such as state forest rangers, park police, environmental conservation officers, and university police officers. It would have allowed these officers to retire with an annual pension worth half of their salary after two decades of service.

The veto marks the fourth consecutive year that Hochul has rejected the pension bill, citing significant costs. In her brief message accompanying the veto, she pointed to the estimated $66.7 million in retroactive payments and an additional $6 million per year as reasons for rejecting the legislation. "This bill has been vetoed four times over the past five years because this pension enhancement would impose substantial unbudgeted costs on the state,” Hochul stated.

The PBA, which represents approximately 1,100 active officers across the state, has been advocating for these pension changes for several years. Their argument centers on providing parity with other law enforcement agencies such as New York State troopers and municipal police officers who already enjoy similar retirement benefits.

The timing of the veto has added tension between the governor and the PBA. Just days before Hochul's decision, the union launched a series of billboards across New York, accusing her of being weak on crime. The billboards, featuring Hochul’s image, carried the message: “HELP WANTED! Our streets are less safe today. New Governor needed.”

Union President Jim McCartney criticized Hochul’s decision, stating, “While the governor pays lip service to public safety, her actions in supporting the brave officers who stand between danger and the public come up far short.” He further accused the governor’s administration of retaliating against the union because of the billboards.

State lawmakers, many of whom are aligned with labor unions, have overwhelmingly passed the pension bill five times in the last seven years. This year's version, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, was passed in June. Senator Jackson expressed disappointment with Hochul’s decision, stating, “This bill was critical to ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to protecting our public lands, natural resources, and state university campuses have the retirement equity they deserve.”

McCartney and other union leaders also criticized the governor for her office’s lack of engagement, with PBA Vice President Matt Krug highlighting the difficulties in recruitment and retention of specialized officers, in part due to better retirement benefits offered by other law enforcement agencies in the state.

Despite their frustrations, the union acknowledged that they anticipated Hochul's veto, noting that the decision to launch the billboards was made long before the governor’s veto. However, McCartney stated the union felt it necessary to bring attention to the issue, adding, "They gaslight us. We’re not important."