[terry251]

Colorado is in the same boat. You can "buy years" (that you haven't earned for retirement) for pennies on the dollar...and the guys at the helm haven't figured it out yet, or ignore it. The brain trust recently raised the buy in for enhanced pension benefits...it is still one of the best investments on the planet. Colorado is getting ready to lay off 10% of the work force, but this "entitlement" is still in place.

The facts are that state employees earn as much (or more) as their counterparts in private industry, and their benefits are far and above those in the private sector. The bottom line? Private sector is subject to salary/benefit cuts. State empoyees haven't been subjected to such measures...until now. Hang on for the screaming.

Been on the government dole and the private side. I'll take the dole every time.