William Flanagan

Pension Testimony



Got a moment? Today is December 20, 2023. Imagine you have just received a memo that states that due to financial difficulties, you will not receive a raise during 2024. This incudes any built in step increase, longevity increase or cost of living increase that was promised to you.



When you ask questions, you get answers…



“Well, we understand that such increases were touted as benefits when we hired you, but…”.



“Yes, all of the Human Resource materials list these benefits in writing in your handbook, but…”.



“No, this is not a permanent freeze, definitely not! It will soon be lifted. When? Um, well we are projecting the mid to late 2030s. That’s not too bad. We all have to sacrifice in these dire times.”



“Who else is sacrificing you ask? Um, um…”.



Sounds hilarious, eh! Sounds far fetched. No way that could happen.



Well, it did happen!



The legislation that was signed into law in November, 2011 was ethically unjust to make the State of Rhode Island’s problem the State of Rhode Island Employee’s problem. The legislation was a cowardly response to a serious problem, cowardly because it was easy! Easy for the General Treasurer who designed it even as she was frittering away the State’s funds. Easy for businessmen. Easy for Rhode Island citizens, especially those who think that state workers are lazy and have cushy jobs. (Are you lazy? Do you have a cushy job? Or are you like most of us who gave many more hours to the job than we were ever paid for?)



At the time, alternative solutions were not given more than superficial consideration, if at all. Do you think that now might be the time for the State to correct the injustice imposed on this select group of it’s citizens?



Or will you recommend the easy way?



William D. Flanagan, Retired

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