“I think we have a moment after the next election,” Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson told leaders at a Midtown event hosted by the Association for a Better New York. “The winds of change are blowing and the next governor will have an opportunity to deal with some of these problems in a way that past governors have not because crisis creates its own opportunity.”
Budget reformers have tried for years to rein in spiraling pension costs that threaten to hobble the state and its major cities, but have met resistance from powerful unions and their allies in the legislature.
The legislature must approve all change to pension rules.
Wolfson said the crisis has become so severe, he thinks Albany will be open to reforms like changing the rules so New York City can negotiate pension benefits during collective bargaining – something that is barred by the law….
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