Ladouceur pushes to have retirees share in health care costs

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 1/14/20

By JOHN HOWELL Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur has only started in his effort to trim so-called "e;legacy"e; costs and give Warwick a sustainable financial future. Last Monday, the councilman amended his proposed ordinance that would introduce health care

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Ladouceur pushes to have retirees share in health care costs

Posted

Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur has only started in his effort to trim so-called “legacy” costs and give Warwick a sustainable financial future.

Last Monday, the councilman amended his proposed ordinance that would introduce health care co-payments for retirees. He said the provision to do away with health care for retirees would be limited to new employees, thus seemingly removing the concerns of existing retirees whose family health plans are costing $23,000 and promise to only keep rising.

A number of municipal employees, in addition to firefighters who turned out for the vote on their contract, filled the council chambers. Indeed, Ladouceur’s health care ordinance was on their minds.

Ladouceur amended the ordinance and asked that it be placed for consideration on the Feb. 24 docket.

But if it appears Ladouceur is only thinking of reducing the financial strain on taxpayers in another 25 to 30 years when “new” employees retire, then think again. His ordinance would establish health care co-payments for existing retirees.

In an interview Thursday, Ladouceur estimated the ordinance could save the city “several million” a year as soon as it is passed. If approved – and assuming it withstands a seemingly likely legal challenge – the ordinance would require retirees to share in the cost of their health care if their pension payments exceeded $30,000 annually. At that point, retirees would pay a minimum of 25 percent of health care. He is thinking of a scale where the greater the pension, the more a retiree would share in the cost of their health care.

Ladouceur hasn’t worked out the scale, and that was partially the reason for delaying consideration of the ordinance. He is also looking to garner more data on potential impacts of the legislation.

However, without taking steps to rein in the escalating cost of providing health care to retirees, the councilman is convinced not only that taxes will need to increase annually but that the system is unsustainable – and could quite possibly collapse – meaning all involved will lose.

“We’re going to start the debate with what we have right now,” he said. “It is not fair and equitable to everybody and certainly not sustainable.”

Ladouceur estimated the annual cost of health care for retirees at $10 million and climbing. To his way of thinking, retirees receiving $30,000 in pension payments annually are “grandfathered in” for health care. He is especially troubled by retirees who receive $100,000 and more in pension payments as well as fully paid health plans. He believes in some cases retirees are actually being paid more now because they no longer co-pay for healthcare.

“We can no longer sustain this for employees [retirees] with $50,000 and $100,000 pensions,” he said.

Asked about a possible lawsuit should an ordinance pass, Ladouceur said, “A lawsuit is possible. All I know is that we can’t continue the way it is. When it all comes crashing down and they [retirees] lose health care, then what?”

“Everybody has got to start paying their fair share,” he said. “Every time health care [costs] go up, we pass the burden along to the taxpayer.”

Ladouceur and his three colleagues who wanted more information of the firefighters’ contract felt the pressure of the unions to vote for the contract, which they didn’t. Zach Colon, who is running as a Democrat for Ward 8, criticized Council President Steve Merolla in a press release. He said Ward 8 deserves “a councilor who is willing to stand up and do what ever it takes to make sure that employees serving our community and ourselves are treated fairly and with dignity.”

Ladouceur knows of no opposition candidate in Ward 5.

“My job is not about getting re-elected. I’ll leave that up to the people. My job is to do what I feel is right for the city,” he said.

Comments

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  • davebarry109

    He sounds a lot like Warren and her ilk. Except retirees are not mammouth corporations. Past councils voted for our benefits. Now the costs are prohibitive. Will the city give me a break on my 23,ooo sewer bill because I find it cost prohibitive? Can I re-negotiate my assessment with the city. No, I thought not. So this appears to go one way. There is no negotiating with city hall unless THEY want to negotiate.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    Obviously this city just lakes to waste our money on lawyers and court fees...seems like they forgot this item has to be negotiated like the pension 2 program that they just lost

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Drew

    He could give up his own City paid healthcare for starters

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Using Ed's logic, if someone contracted him to do work on their house and Ed completed the job, that homeowner can come back to Ed after the fact and tell him they're only going to pay him half of the money they originally contracted to pay him. Sorry Ed, that's not how contracts work, and if you even tried your foolish and illegal scheme, a judge would throw it out faster than you could install one of your "storm tight" windows.

    Here's some advice for you Ed-stick to hanging gutters and stop wasting the taxpayers money on legal fees for a case you're guaranteed to lose. And second piece of advice-stop grandstanding-you're just embarrassing yourself.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    It's all about Ed

    You have not been paying attention to what has been happening in RI for the past decade. State workers, Cranston retirees, and Providence retirees have all had contracts. The Courts in RI have ruled against contracts in those locations. Especially in regards to health care matters, where the government identities, not private corporations, have been in financial difficulties. Pay attention, because Warwick is coming after yours now. Active employees, and retirees, have been pushing the envelope on benefits past the point of the taxpayers ability to pay. I've been there, and got the t-shirt. Even though it violates laws, constitutions, and the oaths of the Judges, they protect the government identities even when it violates their own recent decisions. While Cities should have to use legislatively passed statutes of receivership procedure, now the aren't even requiring that law to be followed because it has a detrimental affect on the State itself. It is sad, but they don't seem to care about what's right or things such as justice or the rule of law anymore. Ask the WFD union new lawyer Joe Penza, and his side kick Vin Ragosta. They thought, and said, it shouldn't/couldn't happen either, BUT IT DID.

    Get some money together now. You will need it going foward. Alot of it. I have been paying for 20 of 24 years in retirement to get my contractual, and legally vested property rights at our own expense. Get ready because here they come for yours! Welcome to the reality of the new US Legal system!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    It's all about Ed

    Oh yeah. I forgot. Ask RI Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft Carter what her opinion is, on your beliefs. Good luck!

    LOL

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    John...how much have you cost the taxpayers of Providence

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Mathew ..

    COWARD. YOU FIRST!

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    The only COWARDS. here are people like captain criminal and Johnny Sweat Pants who don't have the courage to run for public office. Until the day comes that they grow a set, they'll forever be known for what they truly are-a couple of COWARDS.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    Mr. Ladouceur,

    Perhaps you should consult with the council attorney before proposing blatantly illegal legislation. And to be so flippant about how a lawsuit is possible is offensive when you are proposing an ordinance what has lots of case law stating the opposite of your proposal. But when you are fighting lawsuits with the peoples money and not your own I guess it's a lot easier.

    And now you claim that a contract provision, that you ratified several times, isn't fair and equitable? Forgetting about things that were negotiated away in the past, like raises and working conditions, to preserve healthcare and then going back years later and trying to adjust the deal is dirty pool.

    When is a deal not a deal? I guess when Ed Ladouceur signs his name to it.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Ward5resident

    For decades Warwick political leaders have signed sweetheart deals that guaranteed 2 things: 1 Their own re-election 2. Eventual fiscal disaster. FINALLY a politician wants to try to do something about these costs that are spiraling out of control and per usual the union lackeys are circling the wagons. People need to get their heads out of the sand. Its either minor sacrifices now or continue the status quo and in ten years declare bankruptcy.....what will happen to the pensions and other benefits then?

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    With a roughly $22 million rainy day fund and the city consistently posting end of fiscal year budget surpluses to claim the city should "Just declare bankruptcy" is just a pipe dream by the vocal minority. Come on....at least try to apply some critical thinking.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Ward5resident

    22 million in the rainy day fund? Are you serious? The city has an annual budget of 300+ million, future liabilities totaling hundreds of millions, crumbling infrastructure.......and a whopping 22 million in the bank.

    This City is living paycheck to paycheck.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    The state auditor general stated recently for a city to be fiscally stable they should have a reserve (rainy day fund) of between 10 -12% of the annual budget. That means according to him, that Warwick is NOT fiscally stable. Too many benefits, too many workers, too much debt. By the way, how is it that retired firefighters get HOLIDAY PAY? Does anyone that is retired get such a ridiculous benefit?

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • InTheW

    The last thing the city needs is to elect Zack Colon to continue giving away the store, because it seems that is exactly what he wants to do.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Johnny sweat pants, ZIGGY, Captain Criminal and your other fake names ... YOU ARE A COWARD

    Still waiting for your use of real name! - COWARD

    Still waiting for you to pick a time and place! - COWARD

    BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. .... SAME OLD STORY

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    It appears Johnny Pajamas is trying to threaten someone with physical violence. Now now Pajamas, you know that's not nice, and it's also a violation of the terms of your phony disability pension. COWARD.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Reality

    Zach Colon has the answers.....LAUGHABLE.....during the last election he was Bachus' lapdog.

    Hey ZACH are you still destroying candidates campaign signs? It's on tape and will be released in due time.

    Colon is another progressive blow bag.

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Billy T ..... COWARD

    Are you ever going to get new material? It's the same stuff daily. Blah, Blah, Blah. Please have mommy write you something new.

    Use your real name COWARD. What are you afraid of? Please tell us. I'm sure the 2 other people, besides me, on the Beacon blog that use their real names would love to know.

    Oh yeah. So you don't feel left out .... just name the time and place. Any time and any place. Have your mother give you a ride!

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    It's nice to see that Johnny Sweat Pants stays consistent-his only response to criticism is to challenge anyone who dares disagree with him to a physical altercation. Now everyone can see why Chief Gannon ordered Johnny Sweat Pants to take a psychiatric examination, and even though little Johnny tried to fight it all the way to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, the court upheld Chief Gannon's order, so Johnny took the COWARDLY way out and grabbed the phony disability pension. By the way, what exactly is Johnny's disability-physical or mental?

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Billy T. .... COWARD

    You never say anything to disagree with me about. I state facts. You state lies and fantasies. The same ones, over, and over again. I use my correct name. Why don't you? I know why. Because you are a liar, a COWARD, and a slanderer. If you did, you would be sued, and lose everything you've ever gotten in your miserable life. Why are you so afraid COWARD? Prove I'm wrong. Use your real name, or go away, because soon, I will have your real name, and then the fun will start. Technology is a great thing. Keep posting....lol. Even all the fake names won't matter. I will have you then, fool. Get a good Dr. and a better lawyer!

    LMFAO

    Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Johnny Pajamas has a difficult time separating facts from fiction, but if he wants to see a fact, simply search on the Rhode Island courts website and you will see the case he took all the way to the Supreme Court after trying to weasel out of going to a psychiatric examination ordered by the police chief (he lost that case). The case notes are right on the website detailing the bizarre, profane, and threatening language used by Johnny Pajamas. It's right there in the court records for everyone to see.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Billy T .... COWARD

    I know who you are now. Get that head on a swivel because I'm coming for you. You won't know when or where but get ready. Lol.

    God is Good. Watch to the left. Watch to the right. Watch your back. Keep checking what's all around. Especially at night ... lol

    LMFAO. See you soon !

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Reality

    Thanks Ed Ladoceur for introducing this legislation. It's long overdue.

    Avedisian gave away all the benefits prodded by corrupt union officials knowing full well they couldn't be paid for. Scotty Boy did no fiscal analysis regarding the long term burden on the taxpayers and I'm one of those over taxed homeowners who says "HELL NO" to this lifetime healthcare.

    I suggest it is eliminated totally for all retirees.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Drew

    My buddy told me the police recruitment numbers are way down. Stripping benefits won't help I'm sure

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Does anyone remember the movie The Wizard Of Oz and th character the cowardly lion? It looks like it's time for Johnny Sweat Pants to change his name to the cowardly lion, as he doesn't Ave the guts to run for city council. Sorry Johnny Sweat Pants-your new name is now officially the cowardly lion. If only you could find some courage, COWARD.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Looks like the Wizard of Oz is educated voter. Same bullshit message.

    Educated Voter

    If the animal gasser/gasoline dumper and disgraced dirty cop had any credibility, people would be all over this site defending them, but all you hear is crickets. That goes to show those two misfits have no supporters, no friends, and no credibility. When not even Stacia, Block, or Cushman come to your defense, you know you have no credibility whatsoever. That's precisely why the animal gasser/gasoline dumper and the dirty cop will never run for public office-they wouldn't be able to deal with the humiliation that would come with their defeats.

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Wizard of Oz .... COWARD

    A fitting fake name. You don't have the courage to come out from behind the curtain. You think that screen name protects you. Technology is s fantastic thing these days. I know who you are. We'll being seeing who the COWARD really is when I come for you. Keep waiting, watching, and shaking in your boots. Just like the WIZARD. You've been exposed. Now you have to pay the price.

    TICK TOCK .... LMFAO

    Get ready cause here I come. Good luck wondering where and when. Now the real fun starts. Sleep tight COWARD!

    Thursday, January 16, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    in 2020, writing threatening messages and threatening bodily harm all while using your real name is a very not smart thing to do. cyber threats are takin very seriously this day and age. this is the kind of stuff you see dumb teenagers doin cause they dont know any better, youre an old ass man doin it. seriously, what is your major malfunction? on the other hand, johnny cakes is about as scary as a cloudy day.

    Friday, January 17, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Mr. Hurts-Please excuse the juvenile and threatening behavior of the cowardly lion/Johnny Pajamas. He's just upset because nobody other than Stacia and the gasoline dumper support him, and he's also upset because the Salvation Army just raised the price of soiled sweat pants to 50 cents, and he can't afford to buy a new pair to wear to the next city council meeting.

    Friday, January 17, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Blah, blah, blah... COWARDS

    Tick tock

    Friday, January 17, 2020 Report this

  • TheDeal

    Funny how this ordinance specifically exempts Ed and his pals on the Council. Good enough for the employees but not you, Ed?

    Saturday, January 18, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    darn!!! my can opener broke and im dying for a can of tuna, yo, johnny sweatpants can i borrow that buck tooth of yours to open my chicken of the sea??

    Saturday, January 18, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    darn!!! my can opener broke and im dying for a can of tuna, yo, johnny sweatpants can i borrow that buck tooth of yours to open my chicken of the sea??

    Saturday, January 18, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Now that's hilarious spider Rico!

    Sunday, January 19, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Vote spider Rico for mayor!

    Sunday, January 19, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    What's the best tuna?-Chicken Of The Sea!

    Sunday, January 19, 2020 Report this