Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) is renewing his call for a constitutional amendment which would strip politicians convicted of felonies of their taxpayer-funded pensions. DiPietro cited a new report chronicling the $531,000 in pension payments received by 14 lawmakers who have been convicted of violating the public trust and state laws.

“If you have violated the public trust and cast doubt upon the validity of our entire government, the public shouldn’t have to foot the bill for your retirement,” DiPietro said. “This is common-sense stuff. The people of New York shouldn’t be responsible for these expenses, and the fact that this amendment hasn’t appeared before our chamber yet is inexcusable. We must take up this critical legislation immediately.”

DiPietro is the lead sponsor of Assembly Bill 4659, a constitutional amendment which would prevent politicians convicted of felonies relating to their duties from collecting state pensions. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations where it awaits action. An article on the subject can be found here: http://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/albany-watch/2015/04/20/convicted-politicians-still-get-ny-pensions-now/26062957/.