Bravo for Pataki but where has he been for 12 years? Is this his last great act of defiance? I would have loved to have seen this years ago then maybe I would have considered voting for him for president.

Governor’s vetoes target labor-backed bills

* Taylor Law amendments. Vetoed.
* Retirement incentives. Vetoed.
* Pension equity. Vetoed.

This year’s vetoes are the most ever for Pataki and the most nonbudget vetoes in more than 20 years for any governor’s administration, according to the Buffalo News.

Pataki vetoed several measures that would have enhanced public employee pensions and improved disability benefits. A tier equity bill would have allowed Tier 2, 3 and 4 members of the state Teachers’ Retirement System with more than 35 years of service to retire without penalty.

In July Pataki vetoed legislation which would have allowed Tier 2, 3 and 4 members who are age 55 and have at least 25 years of service to retire with full benefits.

Union leaders say Taylor Law improvements would have helped level the playing field between the union and the employer in negotiations. The measure called for the union’s last offer to be accepted if the employer is found to have negotiated in bad faith.

Currently, public employees who strike are fined two days’ pay for every day on strike. Employers are not subject to punishment for negotiating in bad faith or other actions that may compel workers to strike.

Pataki vetoed the bill, saying it would give unions an unfair advantage.

A pension equity bill for employees at the State and City University systems was also vetoed. The measure would have eliminated the 3 percent contribution for members with 10 or more years in the Optional Retirement Program. Similar legislation was enacted in 2000 for members of the state teachers and employees retirement systems.

The governor also vetoed a bill that would have made funding for Special Act and 853 schools more flexible and reliable.

The vetoed bills were, in many cases, overwhelmingly passed by both the state Senate and Assembly.

“The legislature has been supportive of our needs, and we appreciate that and will be working to secure the re-election of those who’ve been there for us,” Lubin said. “This lame duck governor can be expected to continue his callous behavior when the legislature returns after November.”