May 12, 2009 Mass. lawmakers work to pass pension reform bill Play video

(NECN: Jennifer Eagan) - As much of the state struggles with shrinking municipal budgets, lawmakers are now digging into their own benefits to cut costs.

Governor Deval Patrick has pushed for reform in the state's pension system.

Patrick has called on state workers to give up pension perks and loopholes that allow them to bolster their retirement payouts.

One benefit that's being contested is known as Section 10.

It's the option for lawmakers who decide not to run for re-election to start collecting on their pensions before they're 55.

The Boston Globe reported that combined the state officials now collecting their pensions under the law could pocket up to 3 million dollars over their lifetime.

Governor Patrick has asked those lawmakers to pay back the money they've received.

Rep. Spellane: "The analogy is an individual gets a break on their taxes, it's like the fed government coming back in and saying that benefit you got you now have to pay back."

State representative Bob Spellane chairs the house committee that is working with senate lawmakers to pass a pension reform bill.

He's proposed closing the section 10 loophole, but says retired legislators and those already in office are protected legally from having the benefit taken away.

"I think folks that want to take benefits away are politically grandstanding to do what might feel good to do but legally cannot be done"

"I would say lets try it, see

how the courts react. Mr. Spellane seems to be all too eager to find a rationale to protect the protect the perks of himself and his fellow legislators"

David Schaefer is a political science professor at the college of the Holy Cross.

He says lawmakers need to try to roll back some perks to restore public confidence.

"They certainly don't want to the question is how far will they be compelled to"

Committees from the house and senate are now working on the pension reform bill. Next, once approved it will head to the governor.