NEW: “Betsy’s Bill” Introduced After Commerce Head Wall Got $67K Severance Package
Friday, May 13, 2016
Senator John Pagliarini Jr. and Representative Robert Nardolillo III have introduced "Betsy's Bill" to reduce a non-union state employee's salary and benefits after leaving their position.
The legislation was introduced after a severance package was given to the Commerce Corporation's former chief of marketing, Betsy Wall, for $67,500 -- half of her annual salary, plus up to $500 for declining health insurance coverage.
GA Members on Record
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“’Betsy’s Bill’ is designed to protect taxpayers by limiting severance pay to two weeks. Government needs to reflect the business community; employees are not entitled to windfalls,” said Pagliarini.
The legislation would reduce the period of time a state employee, under contract, could receive salary and benefits after termination from six months to two weeks. The legislation would also reduce the maximum severance pay from one year to two weeks. A companion bill will be filed by Nardolillo on Tuesday.
“Ms. Wall was on the job for just about four months and the results of the disastrous warmer, cooler campaign led to her leaving the state,” said Nardolillo. “I don’t think anyone in these circumstances should walk away with such a rich severance package.”
The Legislation does not apply to employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements.
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