Members of the Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus are in support of a newly-signed state bill to limit ‘golden parachutes’ or large severance payouts for employees of public authorities. The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) as the Severance Pay Limitation Act, limits severance for at-will employees to not exceed 12 weeks’ pay. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Cuomo in early December.

Legislator Lorigo said, “It’s a relief to know there are now measures in place to prevent large payoutsof taxpayer or ratepayer dollars. Unregulated New York State Authorities, like the Erie County Water Authority, should never have had the ability to pay hundreds of thousands of public dollars to fired employees.  The practice was shameful, and I’m glad to see it won’t happen again.”

Legislator Rath said, “I applaud our state legislature for taking action to limit the amount of money public authorities employees can receive if they are let go. Those who are fired should not be protected with exorbitant golden parachutes at the expense of ratepayers.”

Legislator Mills said, “The practice of providing golden parachutes is irresponsible and expensive. Thank you to our leaders in Albany for working across the aisle to ensure this no longer happens.”

Legislator Dixon said, “Guaranteeing a large payout for a fired employee is disrespectful to the ratepayers of any public authority. This is especially frustrating when in many cases, rates continue to increase. I am happy there is bipartisan support for putting an end to this practice.”