Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) President Andrew S. Rein released this statement on behalf of the CBC:

"The State and many localities already are facing fiscal stress. The proposed change to Tier 6 pension benefits, which will cost the State and local governments in New York nearly $400 million per year, is unnecessary, expensive, and should be rejected.   

This change would be a massive, unfunded mandate on New York City and other localities and school districts across the state that would see pension contributions for public employees increase by $320 million next year alone.   

While many public and private employers are facing difficulties recruiting and retaining employees, the challenge is not Tier 6. It is already more generous than most private-sector plans, particularly by providing predictable, defined retirement income."