[brooklyndavs]

Also, keep in mind, because of pensions most government workers don't get social security when they retire. My mother, a public school teacher for 20 years, only lives on her pension.

Now, if we think government employees should pay into and get social security when they retired thats a debate that might be worthwhile to have. However, in the meantime the trade off has been lower salary and no social security in the public sector vs private sector but you do get a pension in the end.