In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation that will provide a much-needed cost of living adjustment (COLA) for municipal police officers and firefighters
 
These brave men and women have spent their careers putting their lives on the line to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe. The last time they received a COLA was in 2002, over two decades ago. Every year, inflation and rising costs continue to diminish the benefits that they have earned.
 
Additionally, about half of municipal police offers do not qualify for or receive social security benefits.
 
I plan to introduce legislation to provide a COLA to municipal police officers and firefighters. The monthly COLA will be distributed 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.

The heroes who kept us safe shouldn’t have to worry about their retirement security and are deserving of this long overdue adjustment.
 
This legislation was previously introduced last session as Senate Bill 854 and co-sponsors included: Farry, Miller, Muth, Schwank, Dillon and Brewster.
 
I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this worthwhile legislation.