Pheffer Amato worked hand-in-hand with the NYC Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the union that represents NYC police officers, to craft language that would increase the salary of police officers who have served for 25 - 30 years in order to combat the ongoing issue of retention and recruitment within the NYPD. This resulted in that NYPD Officers who serve 25 years will receive the pension of a third-grade detective, and NYPD Officers who serve 30 years shall receive the pension of a sergeant. According to salary data, it is believed that these benefits could translate to a potential pension payment enhancement of $10,000 per year, or more, respectively.

“Every day our police officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities. They are out there to keep us all safe, which is why I think it is important that they be compensated for their dedication and hard work. By ensuring my bill, A.5202, was in the State budget, our State is making it clear that we not only recognize their hard work, but finally show our true appreciation for our police,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

PBA President Patrick Hendry said, “We have lost far too many of our most talented, experienced police officers to retirement or other policing jobs with better benefits. This important retention incentive will help keep our best cops on the job and in the New York City communities they know best. We are very grateful to Assemblymember Pheffer Amato for introducing this legislation and fighting hard to get it included in the budget. This legislation isn’t just good for police officers – it’s good for the safety of all New Yorkers.”

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato has also received praise for being the fiercest supporter of the NYPD and actually getting legislation accomplished to benefit police officers. Throughout the 23rd Assembly District, there are over 281 NYPD police officers, along with their families, who could benefit from this pension enhancement sponsored by the Assemblywoman. Pheffer Amato is known for actually doing something to help the police, not just talking about supporting them. This stems not only from this year's benefit, but also last year when she negotiated that Tier 3 NYPD Officers would finally obtain the ability to borrow from their pension - something that they had been explicitly denied.