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For Immediate Release
March 24, 1998

SENATE PASSES "30 AND OUT" RETIREMENT PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL, COMMONWEALTH EMPLOYEES

HARRISBURG – The Senate today passed legislation that will offer early retirement to qualified employees of the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania’s 501 school districts, Senator White announced today.

The legislation, contained in Senate Bills 803 and 1376, will allow workers to retire with full benefits after 30 years of service rather than 35 as required by current state law. The bills passed the Senate this week.

The separate measures contain time limits for qualified employees to take advantage of the retirement incentives, White said.

"By offering early retirement to more senior, highly paid workers and replacing them with newer employees at lower salaries, we will initially save Pennsylvania’s taxpayers money and open opportunities to new entrants. School districts and government can also use this opportunity to review and, if necessary, modify their staffing levels," White said.

Senate Bill 803, sponsored by Senator James J. Rhoades (R-Schuylkill), would allow public school employees of any age with 30 years of service on or before July 10, 1998 to retire before July 11, 1998. Those with 30 years of service between April 1, 1999 and June 30, 1999 could retire by July 1, 1999.

Senate Bill 1376, sponsored by Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin), would allow state employees with 30 years of service or who have reached age 60 to retire with full benefits. Qualified workers would be able to take early retirement between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999.

"The provisions contained in these bills will give qualified employees the option to take early retirement if they choose, perhaps even allowing them to pursue other careers," White said. "It’s an excellent opportunity for these individuals, and I’m certain many employees will take advantage of it."

Senate Bills 803 and 1376 now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Senate Republican Communications, (717) 787-6725