Pheffer Amato Delivers ‘Landmark Victory’ For The NYPD

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato succeeded in bringing parity to the NYPD as her bill, A.3968, was included in the New York State budget. The bill will codify a 20-year retirement plan for all members of the NYPD. Prior to the work of Pheffer Amato, any member of the NYPD who was hired after July 2009 was required to work 22 years, while those hired before that date needed to work 20 years to achieve the option for retirement. The Assemblywoman, in partnership with the NYC Police Benevolent Association (PBA) worked to successfully address this inconsistency – especially as neighboring counties in New York offer a flat 20-year option.

“It isn’t fair to have our police officers work different lengths of time, especially if we want to be competitive in recruiting and retaining the best of the best in law enforcement. By establishing a flat 20-year retirement option we can ensure our police have pension equity with their peers. It was my honor to work with the PBA to ensure our police, and their families, have the best opportunities – and I will continue to do so,” Pheffer Amato said.

PBA President Patrick Hendry said, “Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato’s tireless advocacy has delivered a landmark victory for both police families and the safety of every New Yorker. Over the past two legislative sessions, she has been leading the fight to help us keep our most talented police officers on the job in NYC. We are deeply grateful for the enormous effort she and her team put into getting this bill across the finish line.”

The bill was carried and pushed through the State Senate by Staten Island Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.