Legislative Bulletin #4

Indiana Retired Teachers Association
May 4, 2011

Budget Bill Passes with Amendment 21 -- a One Time Payment (13th Check)

The Indiana General Assembly adjourned on Friday, April 29, after approving the budget for 2011-2013. Amendment 21 was included, which secures a one-time payment (13th check) for retired teachers. The amendment to the budget bill was originally presented by Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville). After an eloquent presentation, the full Senate voted 49-0 to approve the amendment. Sen. Lindel Hume (D-Princeton) also spoke in favor of Amendment 21. Sen. Tom Wyss was not able to vote on the amendment because of his excused absence.

After the vote, Sen. Vaneta Becker said to retired teachers and retired public workers, “You deserve this payment, and I was glad to help. I appreciate your many years of service and teaching the children of the State of Indiana.”

You can see the amount you will receive from Sen. Becker’s amendment here: http://in.gov/legislative/bills/2011/SAMF/MO1001552.021.html

Please send a letter of appreciation or an email to Sen. Vaneta Becker for authoring this amendment to: s50@in.gov. You can send an email to Sen. Lindel Hume at: s48@in.gov.

Provision to Reduce the Unfunded Liability of the Teacher Retirement Fund

The provision added by Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) was also included. This addition would pay down the $11 billion in unfunded teacher pension liabilities the state faces. The provision provides that one half of any surplus over 10% would apply to the unfunded liability of the Teacher Retirement Fund through the Pension Stabilization Fund.

Please send a letter or email of appreciation to Sen. Luke Kenley at s20@in.gov for authoring this amendment.

Sen. Kenley was quoted in the Indianapolis Star as follows, "If we begin to pay that down now with today's dollars, that will have an enormous beneficial impact for all the budgets to be done for the next 25 years."

Our officers and board thank you for all your support. Your emails and letters to legislators ARE making a difference.

Andrew P. Thomas, Executive Director
Indiana Retired Teachers Association
2629 Waterfront Pkwy East Dr., Ste. 105
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Telephone (317) 637-7481
Toll-free (888) 454-9333
WEB SITE: www.retiredteachers.org