Rhode Island House Bill H6019

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23

Caption

House Resolution Supporting The Reinstatement Of Rhode Island State Worker Pensioners Cost-of-living Adjustments (colas)

Impact

If passed, this bill would reinstate COLA for pensioners, providing much-needed financial relief to state workers who have faced stagnant incomes in light of rising consumer prices. The resolution points to rising inflation, which reached a 6.5 percent annual increase as of December 2022, as a critical factor in the decision to reconsider COLA reinstatement. Advocates for the bill argue that the financial surplus of over $600 million in Rhode Island's fiscal year 2022-23 further supports the feasibility of this adjustment, suggesting that the state is in a position to uplift its retirees without jeopardizing financial stability.

Summary

House Bill H6019 aims to support the reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for Rhode Island State Worker pensioners. This legislative effort stems from the suspension of COLA payments, which had been enacted as part of the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act in 2011. The Act suspended these payments until the pension fund's aggregated funding level exceeded 80 percent, with projections indicating it would not reach this threshold until 2031. The bill recognizes the negative impact of inflation on pensions, especially in the context of recent economic challenges including high inflation rates and the financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

The bill may face contention regarding the long-term sustainability of pension funding if COLA is reinstated ahead of the projected funding thresholds. Critics may express concerns about potential implications for the state budget, especially given that COLA adjustments could impose additional financial burdens in future years. As the discussions unfold, the key area of debate is likely to center on balancing fiscal responsibility with the essential needs of the state pensioners, many of whom have seen their purchasing power diminish due to the effects of inflation.