Pension change
TO THE EDITOR: The governor's proposal to reduce the pensions of nurses, teachers, firefighters and other public employees or switch them to a 401(k) style plan is a mistake.
I worked for 44 years as a secretary. I enjoyed serving students at Plattsburgh State. I knew I wasn't going to get rich as a public employee, but I chose the long-term security of a defined-benefit pension plan over money I could have earned in the short term in salary. I would have made more money in the private sector.
I'm still not rich, but at least I know I can count on my pension.
The governor and legislature should really think about how government is going to recruit the best and the brightest for less money than the private sector, if they reduce pensions.
They don't even know yet how the new Tier V will work and reduce costs. The public isn't aware that many public employees pay for their retirement.
When I see how those depending on Wall Street for retirement have been affected by the market, I am glad I receive an amount I can depend on. Please contact Sen. Little, Assemblywoman Duprey and Assemblywoman Sayward and ask that they oppose the governor's proposal.
Betty Lennon
Plattsburgh
Psychiatric care
TO THE EDITOR: On Jan. 17, Gov. Cuomo proposed a $132.5 billion budget for the coming year, requesting that legislators reduce spending by cutting human-services programs and consolidating state government operations.
I implore our legislators not to reduce but to expand psychiatric services throughout the state of New York.
These services have been drastically cut within the last decade while the need has dramatically increased. And although I would applaud increased state aid for these services, we, as a community, need to identify and set goals to help our neighbors, co-workers and families get the help and support that they need.
I agree times are tough. Many face lower wages, layoffs and an increase in the cost of living. However, as a person who lives with bipolar disorder, I have to testify that it is difficult if not next to impossible to find adequate care in upstate New York. This is a common theme across many states and regions, not just ours.
The stigma attached to living with psychiatric disorders — depression, bipolar, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic-stress disorders, etc. — is sometimes very difficult to live with. Many in our community, as I do, function to the best of their ability daily. They have careers, children, homes and participate in the community.
Though from the outside our functionability appear very normal, the stressors and effects of these activities to a person with a psychiatric disorder are not always seen by those we interact with, those we work with or even our own families.
The number of providers is dwindling, and when many have an employer health plan that will not cover basic maintenance of their disease (or someone they love), it is detrimental to the person and eventually affects the community.
I urge support for legislative action to maintain or increase psychiatric facilities and community programs.
Amy J. Menard
Plattsburgh
