Connecticut House Bill HB05963

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Legislative Transportation Allowance And Pension Calculations.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would result in notable changes to the way legislators' retirement incomes are calculated, specifically impacting the total pension payouts for those who served in the General Assembly. The exclusion of transportation allowances from the pension calculation aligns with broader efforts to reform state financial practices and potentially mitigate future fiscal liabilities associated with legislative pensions. This change could serve as a precedent for evaluating other forms of compensations within the governmental structure.

Summary

House Bill 05963 aims to amend Chapter 66 of the General Statutes to exclude the transportation allowance received by members of the General Assembly from the calculations of their base salary for pension purposes. The proponents of this bill argue that removing the mileage reimbursement from retirement income calculations will significantly reduce the financial burden of legislator pensions on the state budget. This legislative proposal is framed as a necessary step towards more responsible fiscal governance in the realm of public service compensation.

Contention

The measure is expected to stir debate among lawmakers, especially those in favor of preserving existing compensation structures for public servants. Some might argue that the bill is an attempt to reduce benefits that serve as compensation for the costs incurred while fulfilling legislative duties. Critics may contend that this legislation could deter qualified individuals from serving as legislators if the perceived financial rewards are diminished, thereby affecting the quality of governance and representation in the state.