Porter comments on Senate attempt to gut 13th check
Today, March 6, the House dissented to the Senate amendment removing the 13th check for public retirees from House Bill 1004. The Senate amendment removed the 13th check provision in favor of a long-term hybrid approach in 2025. During last year’s budget session, the majority party failed to include a 13th check or cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the Teachers’ Retirement Fund (TRF) and Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF). A conference committee will meet to discuss the bill changes.
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter, who co-authored the legislation, released the following statement:
“I worked with the State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) to support our retirees since this is a bipartisan issue. Aging isn’t specific to Republicans or Democrats. Our senior citizens living on fixed incomes need this one-time payment to make ends meet. I understand the desires of my Senate colleagues to find a long-term solution, but our retirees deserve a 13th check for fiscal year 2024. We have the funding to support this measure. Our senior citizens may not be able to wait until the next budget year.
“The struggles they’re facing due to inflation exist in the present. Times are tough and our retirees need this extra boost to pay their bills, pay for their prescriptions or to simply put gas in their cars. This legislative body failed to give them a 13th check last year. We took this benefit away from them after they devoted their careers to the benefit of the state. It’s a slap in the face. It sends the message that even if you work hard this state won’t reward you or provide for you. House Bill 1004 is a chance to remedy that mistake.
“It’s the least we can do to provide our seniors with a 13th check this year. Then, during the budget year, we can create a long-term plan to ensure they always receive this benefit. We shouldn’t leave our seniors in the dust because we can’t decide the best course of action. The 13th check has been a priority for me and the House Democratic Caucus this session, and I plan on continuing the fight to make it happen.”