Merski proposal to determine feasibility of early retirement clears House committee
Committee approves resolution to study cost analysis for early retirement of commonwealth employees
Rep. Robert Merski April 10, 2024 | 3:17 PM
HARRISBURG, April 10 – Lawmakers would get a detailed report on the feasibility of potential early retirements of state and public school employees under a resolution the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee advanced on Tuesday, according to the resolution’s sponsor, state Rep. Bob Merski.
Merski, D-Erie, said H.R. 028 would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a cost analysis study of early retirement for members of the State Employees’ Retirement System, referred to as SERS, as well as the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, known as PSERS. Merski noted that this study would analyze those who are 55 or older or have at least 30 years of service.
“We have an obligation to be good stewards of pension funds and look at all cost-saving measures to preserve pensions for state employees,” Merski said. “Continuing to kick the can down the road is no longer an option.
“We must be exploring avenues to alleviate this funding crisis, and my resolution will provide us with a clearer picture of the best way to go about tackling this issue in a strategic, pragmatic fashion.”
His resolution now heads to the full House for consideration.