Rhode Island Set to Slash Pensions for Retired, Current State Workers

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is planning to sign a bill this week to slash pensions promised to retired and current state workers. The changes will impact 66,000 active and retired public workers. Local labor leader J. Michael Downey criticized the move saying, “Today our elected officials have unwisely chosen to steal the retirement security of Rhode Island’s public employees." Downey is president of Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.