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Bill to Allow City Retirees to Collect Pension, Serve Public
Headed to Governor
HARRISBURG -- Legislation
that would allow retired city employees to continue receiving pension benefits
while serving in elected office has passed the General Assembly and will be sent
to the governor to be signed into law, state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) and Rep.
Scott Hutchinson (R-64) announced today.
Senate Bill 457 was drafted
after the state Auditor General's Office determined that, under current law, a
former Franklin mayor could not continue to receive pension benefits and serve
as mayor. The salary for the post was only $2,400 per year. The mayor was forced
to resign to continue receiving his pension.
“I’m grateful to Representative
Hutchinson for working so hard to get this bill passed in the House of
Representatives,” said White. “Now, communities won’t have to lose out on the
wealth of knowledge and experience retired local government employees can bring
to public service. Elected officials will have the option of declining a salary
so they can serve in office and not lose their pension benefits.”
“Local public officials
shoulder tremendous responsibilities and are rarely recognized for their
efforts,” Hutchinson said. “These dedicated men and women should not be forced
to choose between serving the greater good in their communities and taking care
of themselves and their families.”
This legislation would apply to
retirees of Third Class Cities which includes Franklin and Oil City (Venango
County), Butler (Butler County), Corry (Erie County) and Warren (Warren County).
Senate Bill 457, sponsored by
Senator White, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and passed the House on
Thursday.
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