Municipal police officers and firefighters work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. However, their pensions have failed to keep up with inflation. The last time police officers and firefighters received a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was in 2002—over two decades ago. In the meantime, prices have risen nearly 70%. This is no way to honor our police officers and firefighters for their service.
 
That is why I plan on introducing legislation to provide a COLA to municipal police officers and firefighters. The monthly COLA is as follows:
 

• $75 a month, if on January 1, 2024, the retiree has been retired between 5 to 10 years.
   
• $150 a month, if on January 1, 2024, the retiree has been retired between 10 to 20 years.
   
• $300 a month, if on January 1, 2024, the retiree has been retired for over 20 years.

 
This is a long overdue measure to ensure our municipal police officers and firefighters get the retirement they deserve after their dedication to our communities. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to show that we stand with those who keep our communities safe.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1539: P.L.1192, No.147, P.L.1005, No.205
Printer's No. 3733: P.L.1192, No.147, P.L.1005, No.205, P.L.1192, NO.147
Printer's No. 3780: P.L.1192, No.147