Today’s work, as lawmakers close on the sixth week since the session’s opening, focused on local legislative initiatives in the House while there was more variety of subjects taken up.
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Bid to toughen Louisiana teacher retirement rules sparks debate
Opponents say it will reduce teacher pensions, but supporters say Louisiana can t afford the hefty retirement costs.
Will Sentell
The Advocate (Baton Rouge)
BATON ROUGE A longshot bid to raise the age for teachers and others to qualify for full retirement benefits from 62 years to 67 has sparked intense opposition from teachers, superintendents and leaders of the state retirement systems.
State Sen. Barrow Peacock, R-Shreveport and sponsor of the bill, emphasized the change would only apply to future teachers and make Louisiana s retirement systems healthier. I am not taking anybody s retirement away from them, Peacock said. I want to make the retirement systems stronger and healthier.
SENATOR PEACOCK RELEASES RESPONSE FOR CLARIFICATION OF SENATE BILL 22, RETIREMENT REFORM BILL TO STRENGTHEN RETIREMENT SYSTEMS FOR NEW HIRES ONLY bossierpress.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bossierpress.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Committee Reports
Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Chairman Ben Watson (R-Savannah) and the Health and Human Services Committee took up one proposal, SB 116, authored by Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula). The legislation seeks to enact in Chapter 5 of Title 49 the “Maternity Supportive Housing Act.” The legislation would allow nonprofits to own and operate housing for women who are ages 18 and older and who need a place to live while pregnant and for up to 18 months after the child is born; pregnant women can bring their existing children to these homes. These facilities would be different than homes provided to younger girls (typically those in foster care who become pregnant). Senator Robertson noted that it was to exclude government interference; there is a need for these homes as waiting lists exist. Senator Robertson reminded the Committee as a former law enforcement officer he knew well the pipeline to prison and this would perhaps help alleviate some of this