By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — A bill about to be signed into law would guarantee long-serving cops and firefighters their pensions - even if they are convicted of crimes, the New York Post reported.
The proposal, which has been passed by both legislative chambers, would take away the threat of stripping 20-year veterans of their pensions if they commit misdeeds.
It aims to keep them in service longer.
But the move is opposed by Mayor Bloomberg, who claims it will add to the city's already burgeoning pension costs and limit powers to discipline, according to the Post.
In a letter to Gov. Paterson obtained by the Post, Bloomberg’s director of state legislative affairs urged the governor not to sign the bill.
"The practical effect of this legislation would be to insulate those with over 20 years in service from the consequences of serious misconduct," Micha Lasher wrote.
The bill’s sponsor, Diane Savino, said the measure will keep cops and firefighters in service for more than 20 years — when most retire to ensure they get their pension, according to the Post.
