Senate to take up early retirement bill in next two weeks
The Senate will take up the early retirement bill aimed at realizing $173 million in savings either next week or the week after, according to a spokesman for Senate President Stanley Rosenberg.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr also discussed the timeline for the bill that would offer pension perks to executive branch employees as a way to reduce payroll costs.
"It's unclear yet whether we'll be prepared to take it up this coming week or the following week. One thing we want to make sure is there is enough opportunity for a public process here," Tarr said.
While the House passed a version of the bill on Wednesday, the bill originally filed by Gov. Charlie Baker remains in the Committee on Public Service, which has scheduled a hearing Monday on the legislation.
Rep. John Rogers, who sought to include public safety employees in the early-retirement program, said he planned to continue discussion of a potential expansion of the program at Monday's hearing. The House and Senate are at odds in joint rules negotiations over whether the Senate should have the ability to move bills out of committee on their own.
Tarr said he believes the Senate will take up the legislation that cleared the House rather than the bill that is still in committee.
"My belief as we stand here today is that the starting point for the Senate will be the point where the House left. And it may not be the conclusion but it will be the starting point," Tarr said Thursday outside the Senate chambers.
The House bill gives eligible employees between April 15 and July 15 to apply for early retirement and requires them to retire July 31.
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