Connecticut Senate Bill SB00149

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Excluding Overtime Payments, Longevity Pay And Reimbursement For Mileage From The Calculation Of Retirement Income Of State And Municipal Employees.

Impact

The exclusion of these payment types from retirement calculations is significant as it directly affects the final retirement income that an employee would receive after years of service. This could lead to lower retirement benefits for many employees, which has sparked discussions around fairness and the overall impact on public-sector jobs. Proponents of the bill argue that such reforms are necessary to ensure the financial health of the state’s pension system, potentially preventing future taxpayer burdens due to escalating pension obligations.

Summary

SB00149 is a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the calculation of retirement income for state and municipal employees by excluding overtime payments, longevity pay, and reimbursement for mileage from the base salary calculations. The primary objective behind this bill is to address and reduce the long-term unfunded pension liabilities that the state faces due to increasing expenses tied to retirement benefits. By modifying how retirement income is configured, lawmakers hope to create a more sustainable pension system for public employees.

Contention

While supporters champion the bill as a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility, critics have expressed concerns about its implications for current and future public employees. Opponents of SB00149 argue that excluding these forms of compensation undermines the value of public service by diminishing retirement benefits. They fear it could deter talented individuals from pursuing careers in public service, thus negatively impacting the workforce quality in state and municipal roles. The debate on this bill reflects broader discussions on how to balance financial sustainability with providing fair compensation to government employees.