Senators look to close judge's pension loophole

“This is simply not good government,” said Bartle in a Senate press release. “It is no wonder that the public is cynical of what goes on in Jefferson City. Giving out ‘golden parachutes’ to those who are supposed to be public servants makes a mockery of state government.”

The legislation would require appointees to administrative law judge slots to accrue retirement benefits gradually based on their years of service, just as it is accrued with other state employees.

Under the Missouri Constitution, appointees to certain administrative law judge positions made while the legislature is not in session must be confirmed by the Senate within 30 days of its reconvening in January. The loophole, however, permits an appointee to keep this lucrative pension even if not confirmed by the Senate or if he or she resigns before the Senate can act.

“The Missouri Senate has a constitutional duty to make sure that qualified individuals serve as administrative law judges in our state. Allowing appointees to serve a few weeks or a few months and then take their pension and run without ever coming under Senate scrutiny undercuts this important consitutional safeguard,” Scott said.

He noted a particularly egregious example where much is to be paid for minimal service. “The need for this legislation was highlighted by the governor’s recent appointment of a person who served a mere two weeks on the Labor Commission and will collect an enhanced lifetime pension benefit totaling more than $26,000 per year,” Scott said.