Connecticut Senate Bill SB00566

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Refer: 1/21/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Calculation Of Retirement Income Under The State Employees Retirement System.

Impact

If passed, this bill would significantly impact the financial planning of current and future state employees. By extending the period for salary calculation from three to five years, employees nearing retirement could see a substantial increase in their pension, which may alter their decisions on when to retire. This change is expected to provide greater financial security in retirement, reflecting a recognition of the years of service rendered by state employees.

Summary

SB00566 proposes amendments to the calculation of retirement income for members of the state employees retirement system. This bill aims to change the basis for pension calculations from the three highest-paid years of service to the five highest-paid years. The primary objective is to provide a more favorable calculation for state employees, potentially leading to increased retirement benefits upon their exit from state service.

Contention

However, the proposed changes could face opposition due to concerns about the increased financial burden on the state’s budget. Critics may argue that expanding the calculation period for pensions will lead to higher retirement payouts, thus necessitating additional funding from the state treasury. Discussions around the bill might address the balance between providing fair compensation to state employees and the fiscal sustainability of the retirement system.