The New York state legislature is on the verge of reforming the state's Tier 6 pension system, a move that will add billions of dollars to future pension costs for the state and localities, including New York City. Public employees hired after April 1, 2012 have a retirement age of 63, compared to 62 in Tier 5 and earlier programs, and may also have to contribute more than the standard 3% towards their pension depending on their salary level. Those earning above $100,000 will need to contribute 6% to their pension. Critics argue that this is a significant increase in costs for future public sector employees and taxpayers. The state should instead protect the state budget and the budgets of every county and city and town and village and 20 million New Yorkers by setting more money aside.