Public Service Committee Looks at Early Retirement Bill for State Employees
The legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony during a hearing on a bill designed to encourage early retirements among state and Trial Court employees.
Senate Bill 1206, sponsored by Sen. Steven Tolman (D-Brighton), would create an incentive for employees of the Commonwealth in Group 1 and Group 2, including Trial Court employees. If this bill becomes law, you could add five years to your age, years of service, or a combination of both (adding up to no more than five years total) to enhance the calculation of your retirement benefit.
“If this bill passes, it could be a win-win for many employees,” said Ray McGrath, NAGE legislative director. “Longtime employees who are close to retirement status could improve their retirement packages and reduce the need to lay off younger employees, who don’t earn as much and would have trouble finding new jobs in this economy.”
The Public Service Committee did not vote on whether to recommend the bill for consideration by the full legislature. We urge you and your fellow NAGE members to contact the House chairman of the Public Service Committee, Rep. Robert Spellane (D-Worcester) at 617-722-2240 or Rep.RobertSpellane@hou.state.ma.us and let him know you support S.1206, the state employee early retirement bill.