New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2582

Introduced
5/12/22  

Caption

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

Impact

The enactment of SB 2582 would result in a substantial financial support mechanism for eligible public retirees, aligning their benefits with the increased cost of living. The bill requires the state to fund these adjustments through appropriations, thus impacting state budgeting processes. Critics and supporters alike recognize the importance of ensuring that benefits keep pace with inflation, particularly for those at risk of economic hardships due to fixed retirement incomes. This legislation is expected to enhance the welfare of a vulnerable demographic within the state's population.

Summary

Senate Bill 2582 introduces provisions for a cost-of-living adjustment for certain retirees and beneficiaries of specific public employee retirement systems in New Jersey, including the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and the Judicial Retirement System (JRS). This adjustment is designed to assist those retirees whose benefits fall at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The proposed increases will occur on January 1 in the years 2023 and 2024, reflecting a significant shift from previous adjustments, which were terminated in 2011, as the current bill provides for a full 100% adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding the bill may raise concerns regarding the state's financial commitment to fund these adjustments. Opponents might argue about the long-term sustainability of such appropriations, particularly in times of fiscal constraint. Proponents, however, emphasize the moral imperative of supporting retirees who dedicated their careers to public service. This bill could lead to further debates on how state resources are allocated, particularly in relation to pension systems and benefit distribution for public servants.

Companion Bills

NJ A4171

Same As Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2475

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A2996

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A4171

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S2854

Requires cost of living increase in each State fiscal year for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S4239

Requires temporary benefit enhancement to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A5882

Requires temporary benefit enhancement to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S3412

Requires temporary benefit enhancement to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S3447

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two calendar years for certain retired members and beneficiaries of PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S180

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two calendar years for certain retired members and beneficiaries of PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A4713

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two calendar years for certain retired members and beneficiaries of PFRS; makes appropriation.

Similar Bills

NJ A2996

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S2475

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A4171

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S2854

Requires cost of living increase in each State fiscal year for retiree or beneficiary in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS, and JRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S3447

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two calendar years for certain retired members and beneficiaries of PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A4713

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two calendar years for certain retired members and beneficiaries of PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ S180

Requires cost of living increase to be granted in each of two calendar years for certain retired members and beneficiaries of PFRS; makes appropriation.

NJ A5882

Requires temporary benefit enhancement to be granted in each of two State fiscal years when retirement allowance or benefit is below certain amount for retiree or beneficiary in PFRS; makes appropriation.