Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6238

Introduced
4/11/25  

Caption

Effective January 1, 2025, an annual cost-of-living increase, based upon the yearly Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), to the retirement allowance for all state employees and all beneficiaries to be reinstated.

Impact

The bill aims to amend existing retirement system laws, thereby reinstating adjustments that had been suspended. This move is seen as vital in countering the stagnation of retirement benefits that many state employees and retirees have faced over the years. By aligning these benefits with the Consumer Price Index, the bill is expected to provide some level of financial assurance against rising living costs for state employees' retirees and their beneficiaries.

Summary

House Bill 6238 proposes the reinstatement of an annual cost-of-living increase linked to the Consumer Price Index for all state employees and their beneficiaries, with benefits set to begin on January 1, 2025. This adjustment will reflect the average base pay over the last three years of service for retirees. The goal of this legislation is to enhance the financial security of retirees by ensuring their benefits keep pace with inflation, thus supporting their economic well-being in retirement.

Contention

While the intent to support retirees is widely endorsed, there may be concerns regarding the projected funding and fiscal sustainability of these adjustments in the long term. Critics may argue about the implications of reinstating cost-of-living adjustments amid existing budgetary constraints, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the retirement system's funding levels before enactment. Thus, this legislation could prompt discussions about ensuring that the retirement system remains adequately funded while also providing necessary benefits to constituents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2987

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

RI H8194

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

RI H7408

Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in RI. The initial amount would be based upon population, and would be increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

RI S2581

Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in RI. The initial amount would be based upon population, and would be increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

RI H7342

Provides all retired teachers and all retired state employees a one-time stipend in the amount of three percent (3%) of the lesser of either the member's retirement allowance or forty thousand dollars ($40,000) of the member's retirement allowance.

RI S2851

Provides all retired teachers and all retired state employees a one-time stipend in the amount of three percent (3%) of the lesser of either the member's retirement allowance or forty thousand dollars ($40,000) of the member's retirement allowance.

RI H8282

Awards all members of the pension system a three and one-half percent (3.5%) annual benefit adjustment applied to the first thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) of a member's retirement allowance.

RI H7852

Provides for an annual increase of supplemental income for individuals and couples living alone, in accordance with the consumer price index for urban consumers over the average for the previous calendar year, commencing July 1, 2025.

RI S2324

Provides for an annual increase of supplemental income for individuals and couples living alone, in accordance with the consumer price index for urban consumers over the average for the previous calendar year, commencing July 1, 2025.

RI H7240

Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and firefighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1 following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.

Similar Bills

RI H7342

Provides all retired teachers and all retired state employees a one-time stipend in the amount of three percent (3%) of the lesser of either the member's retirement allowance or forty thousand dollars ($40,000) of the member's retirement allowance.

RI S2851

Provides all retired teachers and all retired state employees a one-time stipend in the amount of three percent (3%) of the lesser of either the member's retirement allowance or forty thousand dollars ($40,000) of the member's retirement allowance.

RI H5525

Exempts teachers and state employees who have been retired for more than three (3) full calendar years, from having their retirement benefit adjustment reduced based upon the funded ratio of the employees' retirement system of Rhode Island.

RI H6006

Teachers' Retirement

RI S0854

Teachers' Retirement

RI H5316

Teachers' Retirement

RI S0215

Teachers' Retirement

RI H6295

Teachers' Retirement