Several recent retirees who were employed by CCRI, RIC, and URI are back to work.  In some cases, they are replacing themselves in their old positions.  After "retiring" with a generous pension, free healthcare, and additional payments, they were rehired to do the same work.  It appears there is a loophole that allows this practice to occur.  Fortunately, the loophole has gained attention and will be addressed, according to representative Steven Constantino in today's Providence Journal.

     If the individuals responsible for rehiring retirees to replace themselves were pressed to explain their decision, I imagine they would mention how difficult it would be to replace these particular individuals.  I've seen this alluded to in articles where some have mentioned that the quality of education would suffer if the positions weren't filled quickly.  This is nonsense.  With an unemployment rate of 9.3% (highest in the nation), I find it hard to believe there are not competent individuals to fill these positions.  This amounts to nothing more than helping out your friends, plain and simple.