STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 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 Vigo County lawmakers.
The legislation, co-authored by State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville), 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 retired state workers dedicated their careers to making Indiana a great place to live and work," said Heaton, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "We owe it to them to provide additional support, especially with the increasing cost of living."
Payments would be based on an employee's number of years vested in their retirement plan. Morrison said the state would use existing, dedicated funds to make one-time payments to retirees, which would average about $360 per recipient.
"Any supplemental income we can provide our retired public servants would help them cover the costs of their necessities," Morrison said. "Our state already has the funding for this in place, and we have the opportunity to help."
As of early 2024, there are nearly 100,000 retired public employees who would qualify for a 13th check under this legislation.
"There are so many retired Hoosiers who worked for our state that could use this payment to help make ends meet," Borders said. "I hope to see this legislation become law so we can help them with rising costs caused by inflation."
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. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
