Benefits earned, deserved

Mike Reno is repulsed by striking teachers. But he’s ignorant of the reality of the pay and benefits received by government workers. I work part time for a governmental agency. I also work in the same field as a private contractor. I make almost three times more as a private contractor than I do as a governmental employee.

Why then do I work for the government? Like many who work for the government I do so for the health care benefits. I am 67 years old. I got my part-time job when I turned 50, at which point our already expensive health care premium was going to triple for my wife (also self-employed) and me.

Mike Reno is angry that I got hired to do a job where I receive much lower pay but affordable health care. The retirement benefit I receive at a pro-rated basis is not a pension. It is a defined contribution plan (typical these days). The amount I receive at retirement depends on how much I have contributed and the market conditions at that time. I am neither overpaid nor overpensioned. I do have affordable health care. I am still working.

Alan McCoy

Spokane