Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2010-2011: on Welfare & Poverty

Andrew Cuomo: Moral imperative to maintain safety net in difficult times

These are difficult times. Families are stretched beyond their limits. Many families, often for the first time, find that they may have to rely on the social safety net to survive and our most vulnerable members of society have become even more vulnerable. Fiscal constraints have required tough choices, and many states have made deep cuts to programs that serve the most vulnerable in society need the most. Today the safety net is showing strain, when it needs to be strong enough to support a population in need.

Especially in times of crisis, we must continue to provide social safety net services, such as food and shelter to those in need. It is a moral imperative.

Matt Mead: Work with religious agencies to expedite adoptions

Charlie Baker: Cut state retirement benefits to reduce $22B liability

1. Eliminate Outrageous Pension Payments; Cap Pensions at $90,000: There are more than 400 state employees earning a pension of $90,000 or more.
2. Stop Costly "Group Jumping" Abuse: It is the current practice to wait until retirement before assigning employees to a group which includes enhanced retirement benefits.
3. "Hack High 3" History: Fair Calculations Based on Average Career Compensation: The current system calculates pensions based on the maximum salary over three years with no regard of the salary for the remaining years.
4. Raise the Bar for Benefit Sweetening: 2/3's Vote and Equivalent Spending Cut Required
5. Modernize Retirement Age: increase the minimum retirement age to 60 from 55.
6. Call For An Immediate Forensic Audit of the Group Assignments

Dan Malloy: Youth Development Initiative via faith-based organizations