In the near future, we will reintroduce several bills that would provide a much-needed and long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Pennsylvania’s retired school employees and our retired state workers. This approach will give the legislature several options to finally deliver a COLA to retired teachers, school employees, and government workers across our Commonwealth who worked their entire lives and contributed so much to our communities.

This bill, introduced last session as House Bill 1415 and Senate Bill 951, would provide supplemental annuities, or COLAs, for PSERS and SERS annuitants who retired prior to July 2, 2001. These retirees, often referred to as Pre-Act 9 retirees, have not received an increase in their pension payments in more than 20 years. Under this bill, the supplemental annuity would range from an increase of 10% to 20% depending on the date of retirement. Our bill also clearly indicates in Title 24 (Education) that the annuity increases prescribed by this law must be paid for by Commonwealth funds and not by school districts.
House Bill 1415 was passed by the House State Government Committee in June 2023 but was never brought up for another vote. Our Senate Bill 951 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee and was never brought up for a vote by the Majority Party.

We believe that everyone deserves to live and to retire with dignity and financial security and it is time that our legislature stands up for our retirees.

Please join us in cosponsoring this important legislation.