Jun. 08, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Justin Walsh (R-Westmoreland) today issued the following statement in response to the House passing legislation to change the state’s pension plan:
“When first elected last year, I declined the state pension because I did not want to contribute to the burden on our taxpayers. I’m pleased within my first few months in office we were able to start the process of bringing the pension debt under control. The three plans offered under this legislation give employees the flexibility to choose what is best for their families, while controlling costs borne by the state budget. This is an important step in reinventing Pennsylvania.”
Senate Bill 1 creates three new public pension plans for state employees and teachers hired in 2019 or later. Two are hybrid plans, while the third is a complete defined contribution plan. The hybrid plans offer a mix of defined benefits and defined contributions at retirement depending upon the amount the employee contributed. The pension reform changes do not effect current state employees or teachers. However, they, along with legislators and judges, will have the option to move to any of the new plans.
The 58th Legislative District in Westmoreland County includes Jeannette and Monessen cities, as well as East Huntingdon (part), Hempfield (part), Rostraver, Sewickley and South Huntingdon townships. Also, the district encompasses the boroughs of Adamsburg, Arona, Madison, Mount Pleasant, North Belle Vernon, Penn, Smithton, Sutersville and West Newton.
Representative Justin Walsh
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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