As Association members are well aware, the Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Service is absolutely essential to public retirees and survivors. The committee's importance stems from the fact that public retirement legislation is initially reviewed by the committee members and staff, prior to any vote being taken.

Since the creation of this Association in 1968, nearly all changes in public retirement and retiree health insurance laws have been generated from within the Public Service Committee. During this time, many of the Committee's chairmen have been instrumental in shepherding retirement related legislation into law.

Serving in his sixth term, Kaufman, a former educator, is a veteran legislator who is well known for his staunch support of public employees. Last year, it was Kaufman who helped lead the way in blocking an attempt by Governor Mitt Romney to push through legislation that would have stripped Springfield retirees of many of their rights as part of a bill designed to bailout the cash-strapped city.

Interestingly, Buoniconti, who after serving two terms in the House, is now serving his first term in the Senate, represents a portion of Springfield. He has been an outspoken critic of the Romney controlled financial control board, which now runs the city government. As a former Hampden County prosecutor, he is known for his determination and thorough approach.

While neither chairman has previously served on Public Service, Association officers point to their backgrounds and solid reputations as evidence that both men will succeed in their new role. In addition, Kaufman has opted to keep the Committee's professional House staff in place. Both Ted Miller and Evan Dube are veterans of the Committee and are well versed in the nuances of public retirement.

“We are very excited to get the new session underway and to be working with Jay Kaufman and Steve Buoniconti. Both men are proving to be quick studies on the issues affecting public retirees,” said Association President Ralph White. “Our relationship with the Public Service Committee and its chairmen has always been excellent. With the committee's staff intact, I have no doubt that they will be off to a good start.”

Former House Chairman Robert Koczera (D-New Bedford) has been named vice chairman of the Committee on House Personnel and Administration. And former Senate Chairman Steven Tolman (D-Brighton) will be vice chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, while also remaining as vice chairman of the Public Service Committee.

“Bob Koczera did an outstanding job of chairing Public Service on the House side,” said White. “He chairs several committees and is a very dedicated rep, who is a true public servant wherever he is assigned. Although Steve Tolman is no longer chairing Public Service, he will still be a member of the Committee and a valuable link to pension legislation.”