Official: Public workers’ questionable jobless benefits add up

Payouts for teachers, cops, crossing guards, firefighters and other public employees accused of milking Massachusetts’ jobless-benefits system will total well into the seven-figure range, according to a local official whose plea for reform last week, along with a series of Herald reports, snowballed into a statewide investigation of taxpayer-financed unemployment-insurance abuse.

“I think we’re talking millions,” said Lynnfield Town Administrator William Gustus, whose objection to a retired cop’s jobless claim led him and two dozen colleagues across the state to fire off a plea for help to Gov. Deval Patrick. “There are cases like this in many, many communities.”

Local leaders are compiling their cases — and totaling the payouts they’ve made — in response to a letter from state labor chief Joanne F. Goldstein, who has asked officials in each city and town for information on jobless benefits awarded to several groups of employees under questionable or disputed circumstances.

They include laid off teachers who collect over the summer but are rehired in the fall; cops and firefighters who put in claims after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65; school bus drivers who go on unemployment during school breaks, and members of boards and commissions who collect after failing to get reappointed.

Goldstein’s office on Monday opened the inquiry to the public, posting a form on its website where people can drop dimes on undeserving unemployment recipients.

“We want to provide residents from around the commonwealth with an opportunity to weigh in on this important matter,” Goldstein said.

She plans to meet with local officials March 20 to discuss how her review will proceed.

Patrick, along with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and several state legislators, have called for reform. Yesterday, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo promised quick action on an anticipated proposal from Patrick to close loopholes in the system.

“We have to do something,” DeLeo said following his address to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “The question I’m waiting on is what … the governor’s office is going to do.”

Jessica Van Sack contributed to this report.

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