On the ever-growing list of what’s wrong with New York state are waivers that allow some retired public workers to collect generous pensions and return to work in the public sector for lucrative paychecks far beyond what’s generally allowed by law.

The Empire Center for Public Policy, Inc. — an independent, non-partisan think tank based in Albany — reported this week that 665 retired public workers in the state had authorization this year to “double dip”. The group’s report lists retirees under age 65 collecting full public pension benefits who have waivers from the restriction against earnings of $30,000 or more from a state or local agency.

Topping the list, the Associated Press reported, is Dr. Vinay Patil, who makes $210,000 as a psychiatrist at a state-run clinic in Herkimer County. Patil also collects a $99,000 state pension, records show. Other examples, too, should make taxpayers cringe. For instance, Eric Kopp, who retired as a deputy county executive for Suffolk County in 2012 on a pension of $84,309, got a waiver in 2013 to return to his former job, which provides him a $150,000 salary.

The report shows 276 waivers in New York City, five in other cities, 119 in counties, 60 in schools, 26 in the state’s executive branch, one in the state Legislature, 22 in the state university system, none in the city university system, 18 in towns, 13 in villages, and a few others each among public authorities, special districts and the judiciary.

Empire Center Executive Director Tim Hoefer says it’s unfair for people who want to keep working to keep taxpayers on the hook for their pensions. That’s an understatement.

It’s one more taxpayer rip-off that needs to be addressed. Tell your state legislative representatives next time you see them to add that to the growing list of reforms needed if we ever plan to stop the ongoing New York exodus.

© 2014 Utica Observer-Dispatch