Connecticut House Bill HB05808

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Concerning State And Municipal Employee Retirement Income.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5808 could have significant implications for public employees and the financial management of state and municipal pensions. By prohibiting simultaneous salary and pension benefits, the bill seeks to address concerns regarding fairness and sustainability within the retirement system. Supporters argue that this measure will help to streamline pension payouts and potentially reduce the financial strain on public retirement funds, especially amid considerations of funding and liabilities associated with pension systems.

Summary

House Bill 5808 aims to amend the existing statutes governing state and municipal employee retirement income. The bill specifically proposes to prohibit members of state and municipal retirement systems, excluding those designated as hazardous duty employees, from receiving retirement income while simultaneously earning a salary from the state or municipalities. This change is intended to create clear boundaries around pension benefits and ensure that individuals do not receive dual incomes from their employment and retirement simultaneously.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding the rights and benefits of public employees. Proponents advocate for the need to regulate compensation structures to prevent perceived abuse of the system, while opponents may view the restrictions as punitive towards state and municipal workers who might rely on their pensions as essential income in conjunction with their salaries. Critics also highlight the potential negative impact on recruitment and retention within public sectors if financial arrangements become less favorable for workers considering these roles.