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Debate over Teachers' Retirement eligibility: Connecticut Association of Schools seeks limited inclusion; Children's Center of Hamden and TRS oppose exclusions
Summary
TRS staff warned of fiscal and tax risks from expanding or changing Teachers' Retirement System participation, while CAS leaders and nonprofit school operators asked for tailored eligibility to preserve recruitment and compliance.
Several distinct items related to the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) drew testimony.
Helen Sullivan, speaking for the teachers' retirement system staff, opposed inclusion of the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) as currently drafted in HB 15 24 and described risks if a nongovernmental entity that does not meet IRS or TRS rules were added to the plan. Sullivan also testified about SB 779 (reemployment of retired teachers) and SB 15 25 (technical changes) and said certain proposed changes could increase the plan's unfunded accrued liability by $428,000,000, lower the funded ratio (from 62.3 to 61.7 in the example provided) and raise the state's annual contribution by $49,000,000.
Glenn Langerini, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools and CIAC, told the committee CAS seeks limited TRS eligibility for specific CAS staff members (those holding teaching certificates and meeting service/active-enrollment criteria) rather than blanket inclusion of all CAS employees. Langerini said similar arrangements exist in other states (he cited principals and athletic associations) and suggested eligibility criteria to align with IRS and TRS requirements (certificate holding, minimum years of service, 90-day active enrollment before TRS activation).
Jim Maffood, CEO of the Children's Center of Hamden, opposed SB 15 25 language that would bar teachers hired after July 1, 2025 from TRS at the Children's Center. Maffood said his agency has participated in TRS for more than 50 years and that excluding new hires from TRS would hamper recruitment and retention of certified educators who serve vulnerable children.
The record shows both technical and fiscal concerns from TRS administrators and practical recruitment concerns from nonprofits that employ certified staff. Committee members did not vote at the hearing.
