Public pensions should not be taxed more

The letter "Tax public workers' pensions as income" [Jan. 6] was, most likely, written without a full knowledge of the facts.

I am a retired member of the New York City Teachers Retirement System, which is part of the New York State Teachers Retirement System. Although I pay federal taxes on my pension, it is true that there is no New York State tax on that pension.

Our pension contributions during our active careers are taken from our salaries after taxes. If our pension distributions in retirement were taxed, it would mean we were being taxed twice on the same funds.

In the case of people with non-public system pensions in New York, such as 401(k) plans, their contributions are made pre-tax, and then get taxed at lower rate when they begin receiving their distributions.

Bernie Kugler

North Bellmore