Pheffer Amato Passed NYPD Retention Benefit

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato successfully negotiated benefits for the members of the NYPD after intense conversations in the 2024 State budget. The Assemblywoman serves as Chairwoman of the NYS Committee on Governmental Employees which oversees all legislative action related to pensions, retirement systems, and the State civil service. After the vote, the Assemblywoman received hundreds of emails and calls from members of the police explicitly saying, “Thank you Stacey!”

Pheffer Amato worked hand-in-hand with the NYC Police Benevolent Association (PBA) union, to craft language that would increase the salary of police officers who have served for 25 – 30 years in order to combat the ongoing issue of retention and recruitment within the NYPD. NYPD Officers who serve 25 years will receive the pension of a third grade detective, and NYPD Officers who serve 30 years shall receive the pension of a sergeant. It is believed that these benefits could translate to a potential pension payment enhancement of $10,000 per year, or more.

“Every day our police officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities. They are out there to keep us all safe, which is why I think it is important that they be compensated for their dedication and hard work. By ensuring my bill, A.5202, was in the State budget, our State is making it clear that we not only recognize their hard work, but finally show our true appreciation for our police,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

PBA President Patrick Hendry said, “We have lost far too many of our most talented, experienced police officers to retirement or other policing jobs with better benefits. This incentive will help keep our best cops on the job and in the communities they know best. We are very grateful to Assemblymember Pheffer Amato for introducing this legislation and fighting hard to get it included in the budget.”