Jun. 08, 2017
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s ever-growing public pension debt has created a looming financial crisis, one which can only be addressed through meaningful reform. In response, Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin) joined the majority of his House colleagues in approving a historic public pension reform measure on Thursday to responsibly address the state’s escalating debt and move the state’s pension systems into the 21st century. The bill received bipartisan support in the House. After the vote on
Senate Bill 1, Tobash made the following statement:
“Today’s vote represented a win for enhancing Pennsylvania’s future as we are addressing our No. 1 financial issue. This vote represents the first step in addressing this massive pension issue. We are no longer kicking the can down the road with addressing this crisis. The affirmative vote today was the best outcome for which we could have hoped. I am humbled to be part of this process and grateful to have had a hand in this effort.
“This historic reform benefits every Pennsylvanian by delivering billions in savings, shifting the risk from taxpayers and keeping more money in our classrooms. It works to protect the benefits that hard-working men and women across the state have already earned. Current employees and retirees are not affected, and new employees are treated fairly. And while no current members would see changes, they would have the option to switch to the new plan if they want.
“Throughout the previous legislative sessions, the House has built a consensus to move forward with a public pension reform proposal to address flaws in the current system and protect the taxpayers who foot the bill. This plan stops the bleeding from within the current systems, which will help reduce annual taxpayer contributions overtime. In addition to the billions it will save taxpayers, this plan encompasses both short- and long-term benefits – including protecting the Commonwealth’s economic stability and establishing a more sustainable path going forward.”
Additional information about Senate Bill 1, as well as the public pension reform issue, is available at
www.PAHouseGOP.com.
Representative Mike Tobash
125th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Krisinda Corbin
kcorbin@pahousegop.com
RepTobash.com /
Facebook.com/RepTobash