Last Updated on March 14, 2019 by cassnetwork
STATEHOUSE – The House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee voted in support of legislation sponsored by State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) to increase the police officers and firefighters pension benefits from the 1977 Fund.
The 1977 Fund was established for eligible police officers, firefighters and their spouses to help pay for retirement, disability and survivor benefits. VanNatter’s legislation would increase the monthly amount beneficiaries receive.
“After serving their communities and keeping their neighbors safe for decades, it’s important to ensure these brave public servants and their families are well taken care of,” said VanNatter, who chairs the committee. “Appropriate compensation for an extremely difficult job is just one way to thank our uniformed officers.”
For these retired members, their pension increase would be more than $1,000 yearly on average.
According to VanNatter, this would be the first benefits increase for the 1977 Fund since it was established 42 years ago.
Senate Bill 85 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for consideration. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
SOURCE: News release from the Office of State Representative Heath VanNatter