Connecticut House Bill HB06788

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Excluding Mileage Reimbursement From The Calculation Of Retirement Income For Legislators.

Impact

The exclusion of mileage reimbursement from the calculation of retirement income for legislators could lead to significant changes in how their pensions are structured. By refining these calculations, the bill could alleviate some of the financial burden on state retirement systems, particularly in times of budget crunches and fiscal accountability. Additionally, this change may promote more transparency regarding the financial benefits available to legislators, contributing to a broader conversation about governmental budgets and appropriations.

Summary

House Bill 6788 proposes an amendment to state statutes to exclude mileage reimbursements received by legislators from the calculations of their retirement income. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that these reimbursements do not factor into the base salary when determining the pension benefits for legislators, which could potentially alter the financial implications of their retirement package. Given the rising concerns around public pensions, this bill may aim to clarify what constitutes a salary in such calculations, sparking discussions about legislative compensation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 6788 could arise from both sides of the legislative aisle. Supporters may argue that excluding mileage reimbursements creates a fairer system that prevents inflated pensions based on expenses rather than actual salary. On the contrary, opponents might contend that such exclusions could disincentivize public service, particularly if legislators perceive their financial benefits as diminishing. There could also be discussions about whether this reflects wider issues of government spending and the perceived wealth of public officials in contrast to average citizens.