PENSION 'SWEETENERS' FACE RESISTANCE; State's taxpayers can't afford to foot bills that would benefit public workers, group says.(Main)

Byline: JAY GALLAGHER Gannett News Service

ALBANY - A fiscal-watchdog group Wednesday urged Gov. David Paterson to veto bills enhancing the pension benefits of public employees, saying they will be too expensive for taxpayers.

The bills that have been passed by both houses of the Legislature would:

Ban local governments from reducing the pension benefits of retirees until a study is completed next year on the issue;

Create a presumption that heart problems suffered by police officers and firefighters were related to their jobs, thus entitling them to improved disability benefits;

Raise the maximum retirement age for police and …