Question for Lone Star Du'ers...re: Rick Perry 'n His Pension

[Ken Burch]

So Big Hair was able to use a weird loophole in Texas pension law and start collecting his retirement checks while he stays in office.

He can't still run for re-election after that...can he?

And, from what you folks can see, are most Texans ok with him pulling this?

[Geoff R. Casavant]

1. Both good questions, wish I had some answers.

I think he could legally run for re-election, but the bloom is off his rose so much he may ultimately decide not to.

I have not seen or heard much in the way of outrage.

[Sabien]

2. The teabaggers like to...

...call this kind of thing "double dipping". At least thats what they call it when rank and file retired public servants return to work in the public sector after retirement.

Pun not intended.

[TexasTowelie]

3. Yes, he still can run for re-election. That's what is scary.

The retirement checks were for when he was a state rep, ag commissioner and lieutenant governor.

http://blog.chron.com/rickperry/2011/12/perry%E2%80%99s-pension-pay-loophole-rarely-used/

I knew of a lot of double-dippers when I used to work for the state. Rank-and-file employees, usually have to sit out a couple of months each year. While they have wiggle room to negotiate their salary, they most likely take a cut in overall compensation because they don't earn any benefits and the additional time working for the state does not count towards their pension pay.

I don't know why an exception was made for the elected class so that they aren't forced to quit for at least a few months.

[TexasTowelie]

4. Perry gave his answer to the Texas Tribune on Tuesday.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10781215