Sen. Larkin, Assemblywoman Calhoun collect pensions early
Payments go to pair while still on the job
By John Sullivan
Times Herald-Record
State legislators Nancy Calhoun and William Larkin are among 11 legislators who recently filed retirement papers, which will allow them to receive pensions while still working and collecting public paychecks.
Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, a 10-term assemblywoman, said she will be collecting a $60,400 annual pension starting next year. Larkin, R-C-Cornwall-on-Hudson, a 10-term state senator and former state assemblyman, declined to reveal his pension payment amount.
The payments come on top of the lawmakers' base salaries of $79,500 and the stipends they collect for other legislative duties. The arrangement is permitted under a pension-law loophole.
"It is legal, but it looks terrible," said Blair Horner, legislative director for the New York Public Interest Research Group. "We're at a time when the economy is tanking and state employees will be laid off; I think it rubs salt in the wounds of taxpayers when state officials exploit rules for their own benefit."
In addition to her base salary, Calhoun collected an additional $18,000 this year for serving on committees. Larkin said he did not know his current-year stipend. He received $20,500 in 2007. He currently serves as the Senate whip, as well as on eight legislative committees.
Legally collecting retirement benefits while still working is a perk for civil service workers in New York state. Hundreds of workers have received waivers allowing them to earn more than the $30,000 salary limit on their second civil service job after retiring from their first one.
State and local politicians are exempt from the waiver requirement, though they do have to be at least 65 years old to return to their previous jobs after filing for retirement.
Calhoun turned 65 in July. Larkin is 82.
Both emphasized the legality of their actions under state pension rules.
"This is something that can be done by any government official of New York state," Calhoun said. "I'm not the only person doing it."
"The people who say it's not right, then they should try to change the law," Larkin said. "I earn every single penny I make. I don't have to take a backseat to anybody on my hours of work or on serving my constituents."
Asked why he waited so long to file for the benefit, Larkin said, "I'm just preparing myself for whatever might happen in the future."
Calhoun said that by collecting now, her pension payment will be smaller, thus saving the state money. If she waited until the end of her upcoming two-year term, she said, the payment would be some $4,000 higher per year.
Based on the numbers Calhoun provided, the state will break even and begin saving money in roughly 2042, when Calhoun would be about 97.
Rep. NANCY CALHOUN
R-C-Blooming Grove
Pension: $60,400
Base salary: $79,500
Payment for serving on committees: $18,000
Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, a 10-term assemblywoman, said she will be collecting a $60,400 annual pension starting next year. Larkin, R-C-Cornwall-on-Hudson, a 10-term state senator and former state assemblyman, declined to reveal his pension payment amount.
The payments come on top of the lawmakers' base salaries of $79,500 and the stipends they collect for other legislative duties. The arrangement is permitted under a pension-law loophole.
"It is legal, but it looks terrible," said Blair Horner, legislative director for the New York Public Interest Research Group. "We're at a time when the economy is tanking and state employees will be laid off; I think it rubs salt in the wounds of taxpayers when state officials exploit rules for their own benefit."
In addition to her base salary, Calhoun collected an additional $18,000 this year for serving on committees. Larkin said he did not know his current-year stipend. He received $20,500 in 2007. He currently serves as the Senate whip, as well as on eight legislative committees.
Legally collecting retirement benefits while still working is a perk for civil service workers in New York state. Hundreds of workers have received waivers allowing them to earn more than the $30,000 salary limit on their second civil service job after retiring from their first one.
State and local politicians are exempt from the waiver requirement, though they do have to be at least 65 years old to return to their previous jobs after filing for retirement.
Calhoun turned 65 in July. Larkin is 82.
Both emphasized the legality of their actions under state pension rules.
"This is something that can be done by any government official of New York state," Calhoun said. "I'm not the only person doing it."
"The people who say it's not right, then they should try to change the law," Larkin said. "I earn every single penny I make. I don't have to take a backseat to anybody on my hours of work or on serving my constituents."
Asked why he waited so long to file for the benefit, Larkin said, "I'm just preparing myself for whatever might happen in the future."
Calhoun said that by collecting now, her pension payment will be smaller, thus saving the state money. If she waited until the end of her upcoming two-year term, she said, the payment would be some $4,000 higher per year.
Based on the numbers Calhoun provided, the state will break even and begin saving money in roughly 2042, when Calhoun would be about 97.
Rep. NANCY CALHOUN
R-C-Blooming Grove
Pension: $60,400
Base salary: $79,500
Payment for serving on committees: $18,000
