In response to today’s conviction of Senator Bob Menendez, Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) is urging the New Jersey State Legislature to pass S-1707, a bill aimed at revoking pensions from public officials convicted of corruption.
Current state law does not terminate state public pension credit if public corruption crimes were committed while in federal office. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that any criminal convictions involving public corruption would disqualify individuals from receiving public pension credits, regardless of the level of government in which the time was earned.
“When news broke about the Menendez indictment, I reintroduced this legislation because I wholeheartedly believe corrupt public officials should not receive any benefits from state pensions. If the Legislature refuses to move this bill, as it has for the last sixteen years, it will allow individuals like disgraced Senator Bob Menendez to continue leeching off of New Jersey taxpayers,” said Sen. O’Scanlon. “This kind of reform is long overdue and should have been enacted years ago, but failing to act now will be a slap in the face to taxpayers.”
Despite today’s conviction against Senator Menendez, he will continue to collect a public pension. Senator O’Scanlon’s bill aims to revoke pensions for future criminally convicted public officials.
The bill was originally introduced in 2008 and has received bipartisan support over the years; however, Democrats have consistently voted against advancing the legislation.
“Had this legislation received the attention it deserved when it was first introduced, we wouldn’t have to worry about corrupt public officials like Bob Menendez benefiting from taxpayer dollars,” Sen. O’Scanlon continued. “In light of the Menendez conviction, it is imperative that we pass this legislation now to prevent any further abuse of our pension system from corrupt public officials in the future.”
To speak with Sen. O’Scanlon, contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].
