HARTFORD – Pensions for two dozen retired state employees exceeded the governor’s salary of $150,000 in 2010, according to new data posted to the Yankee Institute’s CT Sunlight Project (www.ctsunlight.org).
A total of 378 retired state workers received pensions of more than $100,000 last year. That’s up from 175 individuals in 2008 and 299 retirees in 2009. In all, the state of Connecticut paid out $1.2 billion in pensions to 43,070 beneficiaries in 2010.
“Guaranteed pensions of $100,000 a year are basically unheard of in the private sector, but continue to be available to state employees. No wonder state employee unions are resisting Gov. Malloy’s call for modernization and reform,” said Fergus Cullen, Executive Director of the Yankee Institute.
The Yankee Institute obtained the data from the state Comptroller’s Office after making a Freedom of Information Act request. The disclosure comes as Gov. Malloy continues to make the case for concessions from state workers.
“Connecticut’s pension system is unsustainable. At a minimum, the state needs to move public-sector employees from outdated defined benefit plans into 401(k)-styled defined contribution accounts,” Cullen said.
All 2010 pensions for state workers are posted and searchable at ctsunlight.org.
1) Go to www.ctsunlight.org
2) Click on “pensions”
3) Under “pay year” select 2010
4) Under “branch” select retirees
378 retirees received pensions in excess of $100,000 in 2010.
ABOUT THE YANKEE INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY:
The Yankee Institute is a think tank that develops and advocates free-market and private sector solutions to public policy issues. Founded in 1984, Yankee has offices on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. The Yankee Institute is nonpartisan research and educational organization and is classified by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit.
