New York officials will press the Legislature to deny pensions to public servants convicted who commit a felony related to the performance of their duties, reports the Albany Times-Union. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced a program bill that would make that change and increase penalties for officials who violate the public trust. The pension-stripping provision would only affect future officials.
Former Comptroller Alan Hevesi is one of several elected officials who continue to receive pensions for their public career despite felony convictions. He collects more than $100,000 annually. Former state Sen. Guy Velella, who died earlier this week, was receiving more than $75,000. Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, who is appealing two felony convictions, gets more than $96,000. Steven Raucci, the Schenectady schools manager convicted of arson and sentenced to 23 years to life in prison, receives almost $80,000 in pension benefits.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Bill-Commit-crime-lose-pension-984438.php