It’s open season on New York’s retirees.

It’s open season on New York’s retirees.
They shouldn’t be casualties of the state’s fiscal crisis.

Retirees are another target of the proposed State Budget.

To close New York’s budget gap, the state wants to force retirees to pay more for their health insurance.

Under the proposed Executive Budget New York’s retirees could pay up to $3,000 more out of their pensions for their health insurance. They would also pay additional costs for prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, and deductibles.

The average state pension is $12,000 annually— just $120 above the federal poverty line. For some retirees the increased costs for health insurance could eat up nearly one-third of their pensions.

But why should retirees and those least able to afford it be forced to pay more to balance the State Budget?
There is a better way.

To deal with New York’s fiscal crisis more fairly, PEF and many organizations representing working families are urging the state to close corporate tax loopholes, and to impose a small, temporary tax surcharge on the incomes of the wealthiest New Yorkers.

After all, New York’s richest individuals and businesses are already receiving generous federal tax breaks. These revenue-raising proposals would place the state’s budget burden on the shoulders of those most able to carry it.

Call Governor Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver at 1-877-255-9417, and tell them that you support a balanced approach to solving New York’s fiscal crisis.

Make New York’s richest individuals and corporations carry their fair share of the state’s fiscal burden.

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