VSF Loss Staggering

To the Editor:

The loss of the Variable Supplements Fund benefit is a crushing blow to all Correction retirees. A loss of 30 percent of your income is staggering.

I realize we were never guaranteed it beyond 2007, but I strongly feel it is cruel to all our families not to dispense the $10,500 available now to each member this year. After all, 2019 (how was this year chosen?) is a long way off, and many of us will not be here to receive it.

We worked hard and at a very difficult job for 20 years, working all hours with incredible stress that is proven to shorten our lives. I feel our families rightfully deserve this last payment. It seems to me the Correction Department employees are always the ones to suffer these humiliations. We are on the front lines controlling the inmate population, with no weapons but our wits and our courage, but we still seem to be behind the Fire and Police Departments when it comes to respect.

God bless Mr. Seabrook and Mr. Meringolo for obtaining this great benefit, but I hope they fight for our families this year to help soften this devastating loss. I am sure all Correction personnel would be willing to sacrifice some of their salaries to work out a reasonable plan to keep this wonderful benefit.

TONY MIGNONE, Retired Correction Captain