Connecticut House Bill HB05967

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Excluding Mileage Reimbursements From The Calculation Of Retirement Income.

Impact

The introduction of HB 05967 is intended to have significant implications for how retirement benefits are calculated for state employees. By explicitly excluding mileage reimbursements from salary calculations, the bill seeks to ensure that pensions are based solely on traditional forms of compensation. This change may lead to a decrease in the overall retirement benefits for some state employees who regularly receive mileage reimbursements, thus potentially influencing employee satisfaction and retention rates within state employment.

Summary

House Bill 05967 aims to amend existing state statutes by excluding mileage reimbursements from the calculation of retirement income for state employees. This legislative proposal has been introduced to ensure that state employees' pension calculations do not include the reimbursement they receive for mileage incurred while performing their duties. The primary goal of the bill is to simplify the pension calculation process and to clarify that these reimbursements do not count as salary for retirement purposes.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, it may face contention in terms of its impact on employee morale and financial planning for retirement. Supporters argue that this exclusion is a necessary step to prevent inflated retirement benefits that could strain the state’s budget. Conversely, critics may contend that the exclusion penalizes state employees who perform essential functions requiring travel, thereby reducing their overall pension benefits unjustly. As discussions around the bill proceed, these contrasting views are likely to shape the legislative process and outcomes.

Notable_points

The bill was introduced by Representative Devlin from the 134th District and currently awaits further action within the Appropriations committee. It reflects a broader trend in legislative considerations focused on state employee benefits and public sector financial sustainability. Stakeholders may need to carefully evaluate the bill's implications and potential adjustments to ensure fair treatment of state employees while balancing state fiscal responsibilities.