web1_122491884-dad0430e9c014e899dcc7f2b99f40883.jpg

Ichiro walks off into history in ‘sayonara’ at Tokyo Dome

web1_cottle.jpg

Cottle’s pot trial postponed after judge’s sick days

<p>DALLAS &#8212; State Sen. Lisa Baker voted &#8220;yes&#8221; this week on Senate Bill 113, which closes the so-called Mellow loophole in Pennsylvania&#8217;s pension forfeiture law and requires that pension systems be informed when there is a conviction or plea in a case that could lead to someone losing their pension.</p><p>&#8220;Pennsylvania&#8217;s pension forfeiture law was approved years ago as a meaningful anti-corruption measure,&#8221; Baker said. &#8220;Unfortunately, over time, a significant loophole has become apparent, one that will be exploited more frequently unless a fix is approved. Individuals facing criminal charges can sometimes plead guilty to a non-forfeiture crime in order to protect their pensions. Taxpayers are understandably outraged when such evasions of penalties come to light.&#8221;</p><p>Baker, R-Lehman Township, said with too many incidents of public corruption in recent years, legislators must make sure the consequences are severe and certain.</p><p>The legislation will now go to Gov. Tom Wolf, who said he will sign it.</p><p>The state House gave final approval to the bill earlier this week, according to online information.</p><p>The Senate, which approved the bill 49-0 last month, voted unanimously Wednesday to concur with House amendments.</p><p>The legislation applies the forfeiture law to any job-related state or federal felony and other crimes that could result in at least five years behind bars.</p><p>It triggers forfeiture when a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, or is found guilty by a judge or jury.</p><p>Current law imposes pension forfeiture when a defendant is sentenced.</p><p>State Sen. John DiSanto, a Republican who represents Dauphin and Perry counties, has said the measure is aimed at closing the Mellow loophole by requiring forfeiture for any felony.</p><p>Former state Sen. Bob Mellow, of Lackawanna County, was able to have his $245,000 annual pension restored despite pleading guilty and being sent to prison on federal conspiracy charges, according to a press release by Senate Republicans.</p><p>Baker said taxpayers and voters give tremendous trust and responsibility to elected and appointed officials.</p><p>&#8220;They count on us to act with wisdom, fairness, and integrity, and to never forget the public interest comes first,&#8221; Baker said. &#8220;Laws should be strict enough to discourage wrongdoing.&#8221;</p><p>She continued: &#8220;The notification provision closes a smaller loophole that allows individuals to collect payments when there is a delay in the pension system becoming aware of a forfeiture situation.&#8221;</p><p>In fact, current law does not require courts or state agencies to send copies of court records to state pension boards when someone is convicted. The courts will now be required to do so.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_BakerWeb.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Baker </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_BakerWeb.jpg</photo0><caption0>Baker </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Bill O&#8217;Boyle</p><p>boboyle@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Bill O&#8217;Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. The Associated Press contributed to this report.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Baker votes to OK tougher pension forfeiture law that closes Mellow loophole