Committee reports second COLA measure with higher percentages after similar debate

Harrisburg — The House State Government Committee on March 17 voted to report House Bill 411 as amended. HB 411 mirrors HB 408 but proposes a larger COLA range of 15% to 24.5% for eligible pre‑Act 9 PSERS and CSRS retirees.

Committee members adopted a technical amendment, described by staff as aligning benefit classifications and funding language consistent with the earlier amendment used in HB 408. Representative Malagare, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to help pre‑Act 9 retirees who “haven't had a cost of living adjustment in over 20 years.”

Opponents repeated fiscal objections raised during the HB 408 debate. Representative Bonner and others cautioned that increasing benefits without additional funding would expand the state’s unfunded liabilities and could lead to higher school property taxes or other budget pressures. Representative Bonner stated that employer contribution rates have been high in Pennsylvania and that further increases would worsen fiscal strain.

Supporters framed the bills as recognition of long service by public employees who paid into the systems. Representative Schusterman highlighted classroom work and long hours, saying teachers “deserve just the most meager increase so they can afford certain things that cost more now, like eggs, like bread, like gas.” Representative Malagare said the adjustment would help retirees with rising costs for “medication, food, transportation, etcetera.”

After debate the committee took a roll call and the motion to report HB 411 as amended passed. The measure was sent to the full House for further consideration.