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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Indiana public retirees win 13th check and guaranteed future benefit bonuses The House-Senate compromise comes after weeks of tussling over policy goals.
BY: LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ - MARCH 8, 2024 2:35 PM
Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, introduces the last bill of his legislative career, giving retirees a 13th check, on March 8, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
An estimated 175,000 Hoosier public retirees are guaranteed to get pension benefit bonuses every year — including a 13th check for all by October — under a negotiated final draft of legislation headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk. That’s according to the state’s public pension system.
The compromise comes after weeks of tussling over policy goals and years of differences in preferred approaches to additional benefits.
“I’m thrilled that we’re going to help so many people,” Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, told the Capital Chronicle. Two women even approached him at church Sunday over the then-uncertain legislation to say they “really needed” the check, Cherry said.
He has long pushed for the retiree aid and this is his last session.
Last year, lawmakers approved no adjustment, angering many public retirees. The bonuses supplement flat retirement benefits that don’t keep up with inflation.
The House approved it unanimously, 98-0, while the Senate passed it 44-3. Republican Sens. Eric Bassler, Aaron Freeman and Ryan Mishler voted in opposition; the latter two have cited financial concerns.
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Have a news tip?
CONTACT USThe House has traditionally supported ad hoc perks, and filed legislation to that end. Senators, on the other hand, have long sought a lasting solution that doesn’t require annual or biannual legislative action, and proposed such a plan.
But the chambers appeared skeptical of each others’ bills.
The House didn’t hear the Senate’s long-term plan before a deadline, killing it. In response, the Senate added the House’s ad hoc bonus to a committee calendar last-minute — only to strip the text and instead insert the chamber’s own briefly dead bill.
The House didn’t agree to those changes. Lawmakers from both chambers went into conference committee to hammer out a compromise — and public retirees came out with both.
What to expectHouse Bill 1004 now establishes a hybrid mechanism offering annual 13th checks to public employees retired before July 1, 2025. Those retired after that date would get 1% cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).
To pay for the plan, the legislation removes a previous 1% payroll-based surcharge cap and instead allows the Indiana Public Retirement System’s board to raise surcharge rates annually to, at most, 0.1% of payroll from the previous year. And it bars the board from lowering rates.
But to tide retirees over until the long-term plan goes into force, the legislation also gives one more ad hoc check for this year. It’s due by October 1, 2024.
Most retirees — public school teachers, state employees and others — would receive checks between $150 and $450, based on years of service. That would now include those with between five and 10 years, who previously were only eligible if they were getting disability-related retirement benefits.
Dedicated funding in reserve accounts exists to cover the cost. A fiscal analysis composed for the original House version — which didn’t include those able-bodied retirees with less experience, slightly narrowing the pool of recipients — estimated a $33 million price tag.
State police would be eligible for a 1% share of the maximum pension for a trooper with certain years of service, paid from the budget-funded State Police Pension Trust Fund. That’s expected to cost about $400,000, according to the fiscal analysis.
The legislation also now requires Indiana’s treasurer to set up separate reserve accounts for two state police retirement funds. Their ad hoc benefit will come out of a trust fund this year.
Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, speaks to reporters about ad hoc and long-term pension plans on Feb. 29, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla 2024/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Senate leaders previously said they didn’t believe the state could afford both the ad hoc and long-term plan at the same time.
“We have to build the fund up,” Mishler, who chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee, told reporters last week. “If you do a 13th check, you’re going to prolong the permanent fix. That’s the trade-off.”
He also feared public employers would struggle to afford the higher surcharge rates needed to finance both in tandem.
House leaders, meanwhile, have maintained both are possible.
The Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) confirmed by email last week that lawmakers could do both “if all actuarial assumptions are met” but warned that it hasn’t examined the risks Indiana would face if finances failed to meet those assumptions.
Moving forward with both approaches would increase INPRS’ unfunded liabilities by $779 million, spokesman Dimitri Kyser wrote. That would also decrease the funded statuses for the 1996 Teachers Retirement Fund and the Public Employees Retirement Fund by about 3% and 2%, respectively, he said.
The legislation additionally boosts oversight over “delinquent” political subdivisions that aren’t appropriately funding their employee retirement plans. It would require representatives from those subdivisions to present remediation plans to a pension-focused interim committee.
Dates To Remember:
April 9th Membership Luncheon/Meeting at Teibel's Restaurant
doors open at 11:30 - Luncheon:12 noon.
AMBA Presentation, Carl and Eunice Booker Presentation
May 7th Board Meeting, Griffith Public Library 10 A.M.
The bill also introduces a truancy prevention policy targeting students in kindergarten through grade 6 who are absent five days within a ten-week period without valid reasons. Schools would be mandated to notify parents, hold attendance conferences, and create tailored plans to address and prevent future absences, including wraparound services and counseling for students facing significant challenges. The bill also calls for studies on promoting attendance and the consequences of habitual truancy. ISTA testified in support of the bill. Chairman Behning held the bill and said the committee would take a vote at its next, and last, meeting.
The Senate Education Committee met to consider a handful of bills from the House. Much of the meeting’s time was consumed discussing and hearing testimony for two controversial bills. HB 1002 would define antisemitism and make it state policy to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination. The other bill was HB 1137. This bill would require schools to grant a student leave during the school day to receive religious instruction.
In a move that is symbolic of how legislation can change quickly near the end of the session, an amendment to HB 1137, made the bill even more controversial. The amendment would have allowed chaplains to provide secular support to students and staff as a solution to the state’s counselor shortage. ISTA testified in opposition to the insertion of language regarding chaplains in schools, as this approach does not properly address the counselor shortage. ISTA believes this should be addressed through providing funding to hire additional qualified counselors to support our students. The amendment is similar to SB 50 which was possibly going to die in the House. HB 1137 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
TELL LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT 13TH CHECK FOR RETIRED EDUCATORS
Overview
A top legislative priority for ISTA this session is to secure a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and/or a 13th check for retired educators. With the legislature not enacting either last session, getting some relief for retirees is especially urgent.
Why you should care.
These stipends are significant to those who receive them. This is the least the state can do to recognize a lifetime of service to the Hoosier state.
What you can do
Contact your senator and ask them to support a 13th check for retired educators If you click on the link below it will direct you to your Senator.
TAKE ACTION
Read the ISTA blog and follow us on social media for more legislative updates and ways you can take action.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, FEBRUARY 27th
Growing concern surrounds legislation intended to provide a 13th check and/or a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired educators, as it is mired in disagreement between the House and Senate Republican caucuses. While the House has passed a bill, HB 1004, to provide retired educators with a 13th check this year, Senate Republicans have yet to agree to hear the bill. Time is running out. Please see the call to action below and urge that, at a minimum, retirees receive a 13th check this year. If you have already sent an email, consider leaving your Senator a message by calling 800-382-9467
The House and Senate Education Committees met on Wednesday with full agendas as they try to finish their work before pending deadlines next week. For the Senate Education Committee, it was their final meeting of the session. The House Education Committee heard several bills on Wednesday, with SB 282 being a particular focus for ISTA. This bill targets the growing concern of student absenteeism in Indiana, proposing several strategies to prevent truancy. The bill proposes several measures to prevent truancy, including adding more responsibilities for truancy officers, such as more frequent meetings and requiring the state’s truancy officer to provide annual recommendations to the legislature.
The bill also introduces a truancy prevention policy targeting students in kindergarten through grade 6 who are absent five days within a ten-week period without valid reasons. Schools would be mandated to notify parents, hold attendance conferences, and create tailored plans to address and prevent future absences, including wraparound services and counseling for students facing significant challenges. The bill also calls for studies on promoting attendance and the consequences of habitual truancy. ISTA testified in support of the bill. Chairman Behning held the bill and said the committee would take a vote at its next, and last, meeting.
The Senate Education Committee met to consider a handful of bills from the House. Much of the meeting’s time was consumed discussing and hearing testimony for two controversial bills. HB 1002 would define antisemitism and make it state policy to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination. The other bill was HB 1137. This bill would require schools to grant a student leave during the school day to receive religious instruction.
In a move that is symbolic of how legislation can change quickly near the end of the session, an amendment to HB 1137, made the bill even more controversial. The amendment would allow for chaplains to provide secular support to students and staff as a solution to the state’s counselor shortage. ISTA testified in opposition to the insertion of language regarding chaplains in schools, as this approach does not properly address the counselor shortage. ISTA believes this should be addressed through providing funding to hire additional qualified counselors to support our students. The amendment is similar to SB 50 which was possibly going to die in the House. HB 1137 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
Be sure to follow ISTA on X for live updates from the House Education Committee, as well as the House and Senate floor, next week.
TELL LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT 13TH CHECK FOR RETIRED EDUCATORS
Overview:
A top legislative priority for ISTA this session is to secure a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and/or a 13th check for retired educators. With the legislature not enacting either last session, getting some relief for retirees is especially urgent.
Why you should care
These stipends are significant to those who receive them. This is the least the state can do to recognize a lifetime of service to the Hoosier state.
What you can do
Contact your senator and ask them to support a 13th check for retired educators.
TAKE ACTION
Read the ISTA blog and follow us on social media for more legislative updates and ways you can take action. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
What is the difference between the IRTA and LCRTA?
The IRTA is state-based in Indianapolis offering state-wide membership to any active or retired teacher in the state of Indiana. Follow this link to the IRTA Web site. IRTA offers valuable training and assistance to all county organizations, allowing local officers to be in the know regarding state legislation activity.
Should I belong to both the IRTA and LCRTA organizations?
Yes! You absolutely should as both groups actively pursue your interests regarding your pension benefits! Support your local members and hard-working board by joining today! LCRTA regular membership form.
The LCRTA is Dedicated to These Purposes
Scholarships
$2000 Scholarships Available to education students who are current sophomores and juniors. The application is available on the IRTA state site. Click on the red Download an application box on the state site web page after clicking here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
LCRTA Board Meeting Schedule
Board meetings are conducted the first Tuesday of each month except during the months of April, July, September, and December. The LCRTA luncheons are typically scheduled for April, September and December. Scheduled board meetings are usually held at the Griffith Public Library but may be held at another location.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Communicate with the LCRTA
Communications has been updated. Please follow this link to our email contact form. Note: If you have successfully communicated previously with any board member or committee member by email, you can continue to use that email address.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Read the ISTA blog and follow us on social media for more legislative updates and ways you can take action.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Indiana public retirees win 13th check and guaranteed future benefit bonuses The House-Senate compromise comes after weeks of tussling over policy goals.
BY: LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ - MARCH 8, 2024 2:35 PM
Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, introduces the last bill of his legislative career, giving retirees a 13th check, on March 8, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
An estimated 175,000 Hoosier public retirees are guaranteed to get pension benefit bonuses every year — including a 13th check for all by October — under a negotiated final draft of legislation headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk. That’s according to the state’s public pension system.
The compromise comes after weeks of tussling over policy goals and years of differences in preferred approaches to additional benefits.
“I’m thrilled that we’re going to help so many people,” Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, told the Capital Chronicle. Two women even approached him at church Sunday over the then-uncertain legislation to say they “really needed” the check, Cherry said.
He has long pushed for the retiree aid and this is his last session.
Last year, lawmakers approved no adjustment, angering many public retirees. The bonuses supplement flat retirement benefits that don’t keep up with inflation.
The House approved it unanimously, 98-0, while the Senate passed it 44-3. Republican Sens. Eric Bassler, Aaron Freeman and Ryan Mishler voted in opposition; the latter two have cited financial concerns.
Need to get in touch?
Have a news tip?
CONTACT USThe House has traditionally supported ad hoc perks, and filed legislation to that end. Senators, on the other hand, have long sought a lasting solution that doesn’t require annual or biannual legislative action, and proposed such a plan.
But the chambers appeared skeptical of each others’ bills.
The House didn’t hear the Senate’s long-term plan before a deadline, killing it. In response, the Senate added the House’s ad hoc bonus to a committee calendar last-minute — only to strip the text and instead insert the chamber’s own briefly dead bill.
The House didn’t agree to those changes. Lawmakers from both chambers went into conference committee to hammer out a compromise — and public retirees came out with both.
What to expectHouse Bill 1004 now establishes a hybrid mechanism offering annual 13th checks to public employees retired before July 1, 2025. Those retired after that date would get 1% cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).
To pay for the plan, the legislation removes a previous 1% payroll-based surcharge cap and instead allows the Indiana Public Retirement System’s board to raise surcharge rates annually to, at most, 0.1% of payroll from the previous year. And it bars the board from lowering rates.
But to tide retirees over until the long-term plan goes into force, the legislation also gives one more ad hoc check for this year. It’s due by October 1, 2024.
Most retirees — public school teachers, state employees and others — would receive checks between $150 and $450, based on years of service. That would now include those with between five and 10 years, who previously were only eligible if they were getting disability-related retirement benefits.
Dedicated funding in reserve accounts exists to cover the cost. A fiscal analysis composed for the original House version — which didn’t include those able-bodied retirees with less experience, slightly narrowing the pool of recipients — estimated a $33 million price tag.
State police would be eligible for a 1% share of the maximum pension for a trooper with certain years of service, paid from the budget-funded State Police Pension Trust Fund. That’s expected to cost about $400,000, according to the fiscal analysis.
The legislation also now requires Indiana’s treasurer to set up separate reserve accounts for two state police retirement funds. Their ad hoc benefit will come out of a trust fund this year.
Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, speaks to reporters about ad hoc and long-term pension plans on Feb. 29, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla 2024/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Senate leaders previously said they didn’t believe the state could afford both the ad hoc and long-term plan at the same time.
“We have to build the fund up,” Mishler, who chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee, told reporters last week. “If you do a 13th check, you’re going to prolong the permanent fix. That’s the trade-off.”
He also feared public employers would struggle to afford the higher surcharge rates needed to finance both in tandem.
House leaders, meanwhile, have maintained both are possible.
The Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) confirmed by email last week that lawmakers could do both “if all actuarial assumptions are met” but warned that it hasn’t examined the risks Indiana would face if finances failed to meet those assumptions.
Moving forward with both approaches would increase INPRS’ unfunded liabilities by $779 million, spokesman Dimitri Kyser wrote. That would also decrease the funded statuses for the 1996 Teachers Retirement Fund and the Public Employees Retirement Fund by about 3% and 2%, respectively, he said.
The legislation additionally boosts oversight over “delinquent” political subdivisions that aren’t appropriately funding their employee retirement plans. It would require representatives from those subdivisions to present remediation plans to a pension-focused interim committee.
Dates To Remember:
April 9th Membership Luncheon/Meeting at Teibel's Restaurant
doors open at 11:30 - Luncheon:12 noon.
AMBA Presentation, Carl and Eunice Booker Presentation
May 7th Board Meeting, Griffith Public Library 10 A.M.
The bill also introduces a truancy prevention policy targeting students in kindergarten through grade 6 who are absent five days within a ten-week period without valid reasons. Schools would be mandated to notify parents, hold attendance conferences, and create tailored plans to address and prevent future absences, including wraparound services and counseling for students facing significant challenges. The bill also calls for studies on promoting attendance and the consequences of habitual truancy. ISTA testified in support of the bill. Chairman Behning held the bill and said the committee would take a vote at its next, and last, meeting.
The Senate Education Committee met to consider a handful of bills from the House. Much of the meeting’s time was consumed discussing and hearing testimony for two controversial bills. HB 1002 would define antisemitism and make it state policy to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination. The other bill was HB 1137. This bill would require schools to grant a student leave during the school day to receive religious instruction.
In a move that is symbolic of how legislation can change quickly near the end of the session, an amendment to HB 1137, made the bill even more controversial. The amendment would have allowed chaplains to provide secular support to students and staff as a solution to the state’s counselor shortage. ISTA testified in opposition to the insertion of language regarding chaplains in schools, as this approach does not properly address the counselor shortage. ISTA believes this should be addressed through providing funding to hire additional qualified counselors to support our students. The amendment is similar to SB 50 which was possibly going to die in the House. HB 1137 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
TELL LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT 13TH CHECK FOR RETIRED EDUCATORS
Overview
A top legislative priority for ISTA this session is to secure a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and/or a 13th check for retired educators. With the legislature not enacting either last session, getting some relief for retirees is especially urgent.
Why you should care.
These stipends are significant to those who receive them. This is the least the state can do to recognize a lifetime of service to the Hoosier state.
What you can do
Contact your senator and ask them to support a 13th check for retired educators If you click on the link below it will direct you to your Senator.
TAKE ACTION
Read the ISTA blog and follow us on social media for more legislative updates and ways you can take action.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, FEBRUARY 27th
Growing concern surrounds legislation intended to provide a 13th check and/or a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired educators, as it is mired in disagreement between the House and Senate Republican caucuses. While the House has passed a bill, HB 1004, to provide retired educators with a 13th check this year, Senate Republicans have yet to agree to hear the bill. Time is running out. Please see the call to action below and urge that, at a minimum, retirees receive a 13th check this year. If you have already sent an email, consider leaving your Senator a message by calling 800-382-9467
The House and Senate Education Committees met on Wednesday with full agendas as they try to finish their work before pending deadlines next week. For the Senate Education Committee, it was their final meeting of the session. The House Education Committee heard several bills on Wednesday, with SB 282 being a particular focus for ISTA. This bill targets the growing concern of student absenteeism in Indiana, proposing several strategies to prevent truancy. The bill proposes several measures to prevent truancy, including adding more responsibilities for truancy officers, such as more frequent meetings and requiring the state’s truancy officer to provide annual recommendations to the legislature.
The bill also introduces a truancy prevention policy targeting students in kindergarten through grade 6 who are absent five days within a ten-week period without valid reasons. Schools would be mandated to notify parents, hold attendance conferences, and create tailored plans to address and prevent future absences, including wraparound services and counseling for students facing significant challenges. The bill also calls for studies on promoting attendance and the consequences of habitual truancy. ISTA testified in support of the bill. Chairman Behning held the bill and said the committee would take a vote at its next, and last, meeting.
The Senate Education Committee met to consider a handful of bills from the House. Much of the meeting’s time was consumed discussing and hearing testimony for two controversial bills. HB 1002 would define antisemitism and make it state policy to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination. The other bill was HB 1137. This bill would require schools to grant a student leave during the school day to receive religious instruction.
In a move that is symbolic of how legislation can change quickly near the end of the session, an amendment to HB 1137, made the bill even more controversial. The amendment would allow for chaplains to provide secular support to students and staff as a solution to the state’s counselor shortage. ISTA testified in opposition to the insertion of language regarding chaplains in schools, as this approach does not properly address the counselor shortage. ISTA believes this should be addressed through providing funding to hire additional qualified counselors to support our students. The amendment is similar to SB 50 which was possibly going to die in the House. HB 1137 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
Be sure to follow ISTA on X for live updates from the House Education Committee, as well as the House and Senate floor, next week.
TELL LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT 13TH CHECK FOR RETIRED EDUCATORS
Overview:
A top legislative priority for ISTA this session is to secure a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and/or a 13th check for retired educators. With the legislature not enacting either last session, getting some relief for retirees is especially urgent.
Why you should care
These stipends are significant to those who receive them. This is the least the state can do to recognize a lifetime of service to the Hoosier state.
What you can do
Contact your senator and ask them to support a 13th check for retired educators.
TAKE ACTION
Read the ISTA blog and follow us on social media for more legislative updates and ways you can take action. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
What is the difference between the IRTA and LCRTA?
The IRTA is state-based in Indianapolis offering state-wide membership to any active or retired teacher in the state of Indiana. Follow this link to the IRTA Web site. IRTA offers valuable training and assistance to all county organizations, allowing local officers to be in the know regarding state legislation activity.
Should I belong to both the IRTA and LCRTA organizations?
Yes! You absolutely should as both groups actively pursue your interests regarding your pension benefits! Support your local members and hard-working board by joining today! LCRTA regular membership form.
The LCRTA is Dedicated to These Purposes
- To sponsor and support legislation concerning teacher's pensions, education of Indiana children and active educators.
- To support Lake County programs that enrich children's educational opportunities.
- To support community service projects and encourage volunteerism of our members. Our local group of 1300 members donates over 40,000 volunteer hours yearly.
- To provide grants to Lake County teachers for special classroom projects that are not funded by their school system.
- To sponsor programs that improve the skills of foster parents.
- To financially support and join with CASA and Juvenile Court to provide a special celebration for those foster children who are graduating from high school each year.
- To financially support different food pantries through Lake County.
- To offer travel and tour opportunities for our members and their family or friends.
Scholarships
$2000 Scholarships Available to education students who are current sophomores and juniors. The application is available on the IRTA state site. Click on the red Download an application box on the state site web page after clicking here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
LCRTA Board Meeting Schedule
Board meetings are conducted the first Tuesday of each month except during the months of April, July, September, and December. The LCRTA luncheons are typically scheduled for April, September and December. Scheduled board meetings are usually held at the Griffith Public Library but may be held at another location.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Communicate with the LCRTA
Communications has been updated. Please follow this link to our email contact form. Note: If you have successfully communicated previously with any board member or committee member by email, you can continue to use that email address.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Read the ISTA blog and follow us on social media for more legislative updates and ways you can take action.
The LCRTA web site was last updated 02/27/2024
comments, submittals, suggestions, questions always welcome - please use the email contact form
on the Officers page to send an email which will be routed to the proper contact
comments, submittals, suggestions, questions always welcome - please use the email contact form
on the Officers page to send an email which will be routed to the proper contact