Connecticut Senate Bill SB00989

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/15
• Refer: 2/23/15
• Report Pass: 3/12/15
• Refer: 3/23/15
• Report Pass: 3/30/15
• Refer: 4/8/15
• Report Pass: 4/14/15
• Report Pass: 4/15/15
• Engrossed: 5/27/15
• Report Pass: 5/29/15
• Chaptered: 6/16/15
• Enrolled: 6/18/15
• Vetoed: 7/2/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Reemployment And The Municipal Employees' Retirement System.

Impact

This legislation affects how reemployment impacts benefits for state retirees, especially those aiming to work in government roles after retirement. By allowing such individuals to continue receiving retirement allowances under specific circumstances, it seeks to encourage the reemployment of seasoned workers in state service roles while putting limitations on their municipal benefits. The changes could affect labor dynamics within state and municipal structures and aim to retain experienced personnel for crucial jobs.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 989, also known as Act Concerning Reemployment and the Municipal Employees' Retirement System, aims to modify the regulations governing the retirement benefits of certain state and municipal employees who return to work post-retirement. The bill enables retired members who accept state employment to continue receiving their retirement allowances while contributing to the state retirement system. Conversely, those who return to the same municipality from which they retired may still access the municipal retirement system but will not receive retirement benefits during that employment, unless certain conditions are met.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00989 appears largely favorable among legislators, given the unanimous vote in support, as reflected in the voting history which shows 137 yeas to 0 nays on June 3, 2015. Supporters appreciate the bill's provisions as a means of addressing potential workforce shortages in the public sector while providing fair compensation for reemployed retirees. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of the retirement systems if too many retirees take advantage of these provisions.

Contention

While SB00989 has mostly garnered support, notable contention arises around its implications for the fiscal health of the Municipal Employees' Retirement Fund. Opponents may argue that the bill could create a burden on the retirement fund by allowing retirees to continually draw from the fund while also earning a salary. This has sparked a dialogue around the balance of offering reemployment incentives for retirees versus ensuring long-term viability and fairness in municipal retirement systems.