INDIANAPOLIS— The Senate Pensions and Labor Committee met today to hear four bills, including Senate Bill (SB) 63, Thirteenth Check, authored by State Senator David Niezgodski (D-South Bend). Sen. Niezgodski issued the following statement:
“Receiving a committee hearing in the first week of session is an honor and a clear signal that this bill remains a priority for Hoosiers,” said Niezgodski. “I have authored the 13th Check bill almost every year since I was elected because it is deeply important to my constituents and to the thousands of retired public employees and public school teachers who dedicated their careers to serving our communities.”
SB 63 includes three major components: a 13th Check for each eligible plan, an additional $50 payment for qualified TRF, PERF and EG&C recipients and updates to the funding structure supporting those payments.
“These retirees devoted their time, talent and energy to the State of Indiana, keeping our government and our classrooms running smoothly,” said Niezgodski. “The least we can do is ensure they receive a 13th Check. Critics sometimes frame it as an ‘extra’ payment, but it’s really an essential payment at a time of year when expenses rise and while we are in the midst of an affordability crisis. We have a responsibility to help retirees make ends meet.”
“I’m encouraged by the committee’s engagement today and look forward to moving this bill forward when we return in January,” said Niezgodski. “Our public retirees and teachers have given so much to this state. It’s time we show them the respect and support they deserve.”
