SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1070

BYHouse Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Unsoeld, Belcher, Jacobsen, Cole, Lux, Nelson, Hine, P. King, Sutherland, Walk, Zellinsky, Basich, Leonard, Cooper, Patrick, Holland, Miller, May, H. Sommers, R. King, Dellwo, Rasmussen and Brough)

Increasing retirement benefits for teachers who are not receiving social security benefits.

House Committe on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987; April 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Craswell, Fleming, Lee, McDonald, Moore, Rinehart, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

                  April 3, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, APRIL 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Prior to 1957 teachers were not covered by Social Security. Approximately 210 members of the Teacher's Retirement System (TRS) retired prior to becoming eligible for Social Security.  Of these, approximately 170 members have obtained some type of social security benefits, primarily in the form of survivor benefits.  Approximately 40 retired teachers receive no social security benefits.  These retirees receive an additional special TRS pension of $3 per month per year of service.

In 1986 the Legislature added a provision to law requiring that the omnibus biennial operating appropriations act include an appropriation for the full amount that will be paid out during the biennium under any future cost of living adjustment (COLA).

SUMMARY:

Retired teachers not eligible for coverage under social security receive an additional special pension of $10 per month per year of service.

One hundred thousand dollars are appropriated to be deposited in the Teacher's Retirement Fund.

Appropriation:    $200,000 to the Teachers' Retirement Fund.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 1987.

Senate Committee - Testified: Robert Hollister, Director, Department of Retirement Systems