House adopts one‑year, reduced '13th check' for state retirees with 5% cut

The Indiana House on April 23 adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 12 21, a one‑year “13th check” payment for several public pension systems. The conference report provides a 13th check to eligible retirees but reduces the payment by 5% from the amount earlier proposed by sponsors.

Representative Karakoff, who presented the conference committee report, said the bill covers a range of public retirement systems and urged support for the compromise. The measure that left the conference committee included 13th checks for the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund, the Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement Fund, state police benefit systems and several other retirement systems; presenters described the final product as a one‑year payment with a 5% reduction relative to an earlier figure.

Supporters framed the check as practical relief for retirees who use the money for household bills. Representative Porter said the payment will help “pay electric bill. It might put gas in their car or help buy a propane,” urging colleagues to support the measure. Several members, however, criticized the 5% cut. Representative Pierce said the reduction amounted to a political message rather than a financial necessity and called the cut “a kick in the teeth” to retirees who already lack routine cost‑of‑living adjustments in their pensions.

Vote and next steps: the House adopted the conference committee report by recorded vote; members indicated the roll recorded 90 ayes and 0 noes. Sponsors said they expect to continue advocacy for retirees in future budget cycles.

Ending: Lawmakers who supported the bill urged colleagues to recognize the immediate benefit of a 13th check even with the reduction; critics said the 5% cut leaves unresolved larger questions about pension purchasing power and cost‑of‑living adjustments.