Tag Archives: Mandate Relief

Has the school district suspended hiring except those positions that are neutral to the general fund? School districts may suspend hiring based on the decisions of the school board with a few notable considerations – the terms of a collectively … Continue reading →

Are all school district/municipal employees contributing to the pension fund to keep it well funded? Employees contribute according to their pension system tier and therefore are only obligated to pay for a certain period of time and at a certain … Continue reading →

Can a school district/municipal government freeze contributions to the pension fund? The simple answer is no.  Currently, New York provides a defined benefit plan that is guaranteed by taxpayers.  The contribution rate promised to employees upon entering the pension system … Continue reading →

Do school district/municipal government retirees contribute to the cost of healthcare? Local government employees are entitled to benefits (health, dental, life insurance premiums, etc.) when they retire based on the contractual provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.  Since healthcare contributions … Continue reading →

Can school districts/municipal governments require the same level of contribution to its healthcare plan that New York State requires of its employees? The answer is no.  Health insurance coverage is collectively bargained between the local government and the union but … Continue reading →

As we edge closer to school budget vote day, some thoughts that taxpayers should be considering.  From the “Did You Know” file… Q: Can a school district/municipal government freeze salaries and benefits under the current contract for all employees at … Continue reading →

I am often asked to point out a law or regulation that is indicative of New York’s dubious anti-business reputation.  The answer can be, arguably I grant it, the notorious “Scaffold Law”.  So what is it you ask? “Scaffold law” … Continue reading →