A missing point in the recent opinion on state pensions is the pension itself. With pay-in by the employee and the contributions by your taxes, the employee after 30 years with max pay-in of about 9 percent of their pay; only a small difference from Social Security pay-in will entitle them to 75 percent of the highest salary for the rest of their lives. This is about three to four times more than Social Security. A pension designed around this kind of largesse is almost certain to fail to be properly funded. Don't forget that many are absolved from paying state income tax, and the medical insurance is a real bargain compared to what you pay. This covers most federal, state and local employees as well as police, firemen and teachers. A sweet deal.

However, it is often stated it is the taxpayer's constitutional duty to make up the shortfall when it inevitably comes. So, taxpayer, get ready to take it in the keister as you will be funding these guys out of you paltry Social Security check for the rest of your life.

Gary Kolbe

Geneva