ERS, benefit increase for certain retirees of on October 1, 2024
The proposed bill specifically affects retirees of the Employees' Retirement System who have been receiving benefits for varying periods, ensuring that not only the retirees but also the beneficiaries of deceased members are included in this adjustment. The adjustment is structured such that local employers can elect to participate, significantly influencing their budgeting and funding strategies for pension plans. The fiscal implications of this bill on the state budget warrant careful scrutiny, notably in terms of how the appropriate rates for funding these increases will be managed annually.
SB300, titled 'Employees' Retirement System Benefit Increase Act,' proposes a cost-of-living adjustment for certain retirees and beneficiaries of the Employees' Retirement System in Alabama. Commencing October 1, 2024, individuals who retired before October 1, 2023, will receive a three percent increase in their monthly benefits, with a minimum increase of fifteen dollars monthly. The bill aims to provide relief to retirees affected by rising living costs.
A notable point of contention around SB300 relates to the provisions requiring employers to elect participation in the cost-of-living adjustments. Employers are responsible for funding the benefit increases from state appropriations, which raises concerns regarding the potential impact on municipal budgets and the financial viability of sustaining these increases during economic downturns. Furthermore, there are stipulations preventing the adjustment for individuals whose Medicaid eligibility might be affected by these increases, highlighting potential friction between state retirement benefits and federal assistance programs.