Retirees and unions back easing post‑retirement earnings limits, cite staffing gaps

Retirees, police and firefighter unions and retirement administrators urged the Joint Committee on Public Service to advance bills that would ease or clarify post‑retirement earnings and hours limits so retired professionals can return to municipal work without facing penalties. Retirees from Foxborough told the committee they sought relief to support families and cover medical costs. "This bill would be extremely beneficial... You could work as many hours as you wanted without any penalties," retired officer Edward McDonald said. Other retired officers and a retired police chief said the current rules are complicated and discourage experienced personnel from taking temporary municipal work. Organized labor and advocacy groups also testified. Paul Jacques and representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts said they support multiple bills including House Bills 2,791 and 2,959 and Senate measures addressing civil‑service exemptions. Michael O'Reilly of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems (MACRS) told the committee he supports House Bill 2,755, which would exempt retired members returning to do professional actuarial, auditing, accounting and legal services for retirement boards from hours and earnings limits. Jim Machado of the Massachusetts Police Association described the existing system as "complicated, convoluted, and difficult to understand" and proposed a simpler earnings threshold that retirees and regulators could use consistently. Witnesses tied the policy to service gaps: speakers cited municipal road and sewer projects, traffic control shortages and other local staffing needs, saying allowing retirees to work more would help fill urgent roles. No formal legislative action was taken at the hearing; witnesses urged the committee to consolidate and move forward with reforms.