Marianne DeSimone

I was so happy to get a job working for the State of Rhode Island while continuing my education at night. I believed the job came with a promise in the form of a contract. I promised to work with honor and respect. I promised to respect the residents of the State because I knew I basically worked for the public. The State according to this contract promised if I worked honorably for 28 years, I would receive benefits also known as a pension with cola adjustments. That promise would allow me to have a plan for my future when the 28 years of honorable service ended. I would maybe start a food truck, spend time with my parents in Florida, or utilize my court reporting skills. The State of Rhode Island; however, did not honor my contract. This left me angry, confused and feeling helpless.

I cannot even break my cell phone contract without some sort of penalty. I cannot break my contract with my mortgage company. I couldn’t even get any relief from my parent plus loans from URI even though I tragically lost my husband and found myself paying these loans with one income. It was always my understanding that a contract was legal and binding, providing stability instead of chaos. It's not fair with a vote from people of authority with knowledge of what a contract represents, to be able to crush my ability to have options that not only I was promised but contracted. I would think a law degree provided the understanding of the definition of a contract.

I leave you with a quote from Bobby Kennedy, “I saw a wrong and wanted to make it right.” Please do the right thing for past and future retirees who have served the public of this State honorably.

Submitted via online webform