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July 02, 2009

Taxpayers in a leafy Westchester County suburb pay three fire chiefs more than $635,000 a year--more than three times the annual salary of New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, who is paid $189,700.

June 29, 2009

Long after the national economy recovers, New Yorkers likely will pay higher taxes to replenish government pension systems which suffered huge losses during the recession.

June 25, 2009

Will the state of New York have enough money to pay its current employees?

That question arises with the Assembly's quick exit and the Senate's paralyzing chaos. Both have failed to address a huge gap in the state's payroll budget.

June 22, 2009

A typical New York City firefighter, who retires after 20 years, will collect $3.8 million in pension and other retirement benefits during his or her lifetime, according to Carol Kellermann, president of the Citizens Budget Commission.

June 15, 2009

Just how hard was the 38-month pay freeze for Buffalo city employees imposed by the state appointed control board? That question likely will be decided by the state's highest court.

June 11, 2009

The fate of several proposals by Senate Democrats to gut the anti-strike provisions of the Taylor Law may now depend on the outcome of the internal battle for control of the state Senate.

June 08, 2009

A train mechanic for the Long Island Rail Road makes $283,373. A retired school superintendent collects a $316,245 annual pension.

So report the New York Post and Newsday in separate stories that should give pause to taxpayers about the salaries and benefits collected by employees of New York state and its local governments, school districts and public authorities.

June 04, 2009

Governor David Paterson has succeeded in getting legislators' attention with his veto of a police and firefighter pension bill that has been routinely renewed every two years. His bid for a Tier 5 pension bill also may involve buying off union support with $20,000 checks to thousands of state workers who voluntarily quit their jobs.

June 01, 2009

As thousands of state workers prepare to rally in Albany against budget cuts Tuesday, the Plattsburgh Press-Republican looks at the numbers behind prison closings, consolidations and job cuts.

May 28, 2009

The state Department of Civil Service has begun posting results of competitive exams on its website.