Sen. Martins aims at state-employee perks

State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) is taking aim at state-employee benefits.

Martins has introduced a bill that would impose a "Government Employee Benefit Fee" on health care, education, parking, day care and any other "non-wage benefit." The fee would not exceed 5 percent of an employee's gross wages. In the explanation provided with the proposal, Martins says:

"Public employers can no longer foot the bill for generous pension and health insurance benefits. This legislation would provide a mechanism to protect taxpayers by ensuring that all public employees contribute toward the cost of their non-wage benefits."

-- Yancey Roy