STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2024) – State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) said 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 it Monday.
Prescott, who co-authored the legislation, said it 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.
"Public retirees dedicated their careers to our great state, and this supplemental payment means a lot to them and their families," said Prescott, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Thanks to smart fiscal leadership, Indiana already has existing resources available and it's time we do what's right for these retirees."
Payments would be based on an employee's number of years vested in their retirement plan. Prescott said the state would use existing, dedicated funds to make one-time payments to retirees, which would average about $360 per recipient.
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. Prescott said he supported similar legislation in 2023, which passed the House but 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. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33, which
includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
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