STATEHOUSE (Jan. 25, 2024) – Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure, according to State Reps. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
According to Lehman, the legislation would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired public employees like teachers, state excise police, gaming agents, gaming control officers, conservation officers and state police officers who are a part of Indiana’s public pension program would receive a 13th check.
"Our public retirees are feeling the squeeze from the high prices of everyday goods and services," Lehman said. "By making this one-time payment, we can help them cover some of their bills and recognize their years of service to Indiana."
Payments would be based on an employee's number of years vested in their retirement plan. Prescott, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, said the state would use existing, dedicated funds to make one-time payments to retirees, which would average about $360 per recipient.
"Public retirees dedicated their careers to our great state, and this supplemental payment means a lot to them and their families," Prescott said. "Thanks to smart fiscal leadership, Indiana already has existing resources available and it's time we do what's right for these retirees."
As of early 2024, there are nearly 100,000 retired public employees who would qualify for a 13th check under this legislation.
House Bill 1004 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. In 2023, House lawmakers supported similar legislation, but the bill ultimately died in the Senate. Learn more about the bill and track it through the legislative process at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County, and portions of Jay and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties, and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties. Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
