Gov. Andrew Cuomo: Pension reform is second big job after budget

View full sizeNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (left) listens as then-Attorney General Andrew Cuomo speaks Sept. 22, 2010, in New York. Bloomberg, an Independent, endorsed Democrat Cuomo for governor.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Even as he tries to drum up support for his budget proposal, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his next big project will be to reform public pensions working with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Cuomo also said he’ll focus on how to handle teacher layoffs so that performance, not just seniority, determines who keeps their job. In doing that, he’ll need to collaborate more closely than ever with Bloomberg, a friend and political supporter, in an alliance that could become a powerful political force.

“There is no doubt we need pension reform,” the Democratic governor said at Manhattanville College in Purchase, where he was drumming up support for his budget proposal. “The costs of pensions are exploding all across the state, so it’s not just a problem for New York City ... We will be working on a comprehensive reform package as soon as we get the budget done.”

The budget is due April 1.

During his gubernatorial campaign, Cuomo called a new, less expensive pension tier — tier VI — to reduce costs to taxpayers and avoid “spiking” or padding pensions in the last years before retirement.

On Wednesday, Bloomberg proposed that future city police and firefighters would no longer be able to boost their pensions by working overtime in their final years on the job, a common practice that inflates publicly subsidized pensions. Union leaders see it as an attack on the middle class that will break a promise to workers like firefighters and police officers while hurting the city’s ability to attract quality workers.

Cuomo stopped short of endorsing Bloomberg’s effort to end the practice of laying off the most recently hired teachers regardless of ability, but emphasized he wants education decisions based on performance. On Tuesday, he proposed a 7.3 percent cut in school aid that powerful teachers unions warn will force faculty layoffs statewide. Cuomo insists efficiencies and reserve funds could avoid firings.

Related story: Speeches at firefighter memorial service in downtown Syracuse focus on pensions

“The mayor’s point is there should be a different decision-making process than just seniority,” Cuomo said. “I think there is a receptivity to the point that there should be objective, fair criteria that doesn’t penalize seniority, but also understands there are other criteria to take into consideration. And that’s a conversation worth having.”

Earlier this week, Bloomberg warned that unless teacher seniority rules are changed so good, newer teachers could be retained over more senior but weaker instructors, the city could have to lay off nearly every teacher hired in the last five years. United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said the mayor should be working with the union to prevent cuts.

The mayor-governor relationship has in recent years been sporadic, based more on the issue of the moment than a reliable partnership. Bloomberg, an independent, endorsed Cuomo in November and has remained influential with the Republican-led Senate. Cuomo sought out Bloomberg’s endorsement but has to be careful not to cross an Assembly Democratic majority dominated by New York City members and usually at odds with Bloomberg.

“I think it’s more important probably than any time in recent political history for the mayor and the governor to have a good working relationship,” Cuomo said. “I’m a personal friend of the mayor for many years. He’s doing a good job, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Cuomo plans additional stops statewide as he seeks public support for his $132.9 billion budget proposal, which would cut spending by $3.7 billion.

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