Currently, public employees with twenty or more years service who are laid off through no fault of their own are entitled to a one-third termination pension.

Because of a few high-profile cases where this law was abused, language was inserted in the Senate budget which would have gutted the law (Sec 10, MGL Ch. 32) to the detriment of state and local government workers.

Working with our Association and the Mass. Teachers Association, Senator Walsh was able to introduce an amendment, which was subsequently approved by the House and Senate that left the law pretty much intact. Walsh's amendment took care of any possible abuses, but restored the protection that employees now enjoy.

It should be noted that termination benefits are a standard provision in most defined benefit contributory retirement plans. In fact, when comparisons are made to the plans offered by other states, Massachusetts' termination benefits are slightly below average.

"This benefit has provided financial protection for career public employees for many generations. To suddenly eliminate the benefit based on erroneous media reports is short sighted at best," said Association President Ralph White. "Marian Walsh took on an issue that is not sexy to the general public in defense of public employees. And she tackled the issue because she felt it was the right thing to do, not because she was seeking recognition." Good work, Senator.