Connecticut House Bill HB05847

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Eliminating Reimbursements To Legislators For Mileage From The Calculation Of Retirement Income.

Impact

The implications of HB 5847 could be significant for the state's retirement system and budget. By eliminating mileage reimbursements from retirement income calculations, the state could reduce its overall pension liability. This change would not only affect the financial forecasting of pension requirements but potentially result in saved costs that could be redirected to other pressing state services. Moreover, the bill aligns with ongoing efforts to reform state expenditures and enhance fiscal responsibility.

Summary

House Bill 5847 proposes an amendment to chapter 66 of the general statutes concerning how legislators' mileage reimbursements are factored into retirement income calculations. Specifically, the bill seeks to exclude any mileage reimbursements that legislators receive from the base salary used to determine their retirement benefits. This legislative change aims to alleviate the financial burden on the state's pension system, which has faced increasing liability issues in recent years.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB 5847, particularly regarding the fairness of eliminating mileage reimbursements as part of retirement calculations. Some legislators might argue that this move unfairly penalizes them for the costs associated with fulfilling their duties. On the other hand, proponents of the bill may highlight the necessity of such reforms in the face of growing budgetary pressures and the importance of maintaining a sustainable pension system. The debate could reflect broader themes of government accountability and the prioritization of taxpayer interests within public service compensation.