Mass. gov wants to rescind some pensions

BOSTON—Gov. Deval Patrick says the state should rescind the special pensions of 10 former legislators because it appears the pensions may have been improperly awarded.

Patrick told The Boston Globe the pensions are "special favors" and the result of "inside maneuvering."

He has asked his legal counsel to take steps to get the pension board to rescind the additional benefits.

Legislators are eligible for enhanced pensions if they lose an election or fail to qualify for the ballot under a 1950 law. But the 10 lawmakers granted the special pensions by the Massachusetts State Board of Retirement all left office voluntarily.

The pensions are worth an average of $300,000 for each of the 10 retired lawmakers if they live to age 80.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe