COLA for Retirees Advances
A bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee last night that provides a modest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for members of the Wyoming Retirement System (WRS).
HB 0314
would authorize two additional payments – the first in July 2019 and the second in July 2020. Commonly referred to as a “13
th
Check,” this benefit is much needed. As the costs of bread, milk, and medicine have increased, retired public employees have struggled on fixed incomes
The WRS calculated the average benefit would be $183.00 – a modest amount of money that would help retirees, their families, and their communities. The total cost of the COLA would be $5.5 million each year, or $11 million for both payments.
In the senate today:
On the floor:
SF 0109
– Educational attainment executive council. This bill passed second reading.
SF 0129
– Educational reporting requirements. This bill passed on third reading.
Senate Education Committee
HB 0022
– Teacher Accountability. This bill was laid back until Monday morning.
HB 0024
– National Board Certification. This bill was laid back until Monday.
In the senate on Monday:
Senate Education Committee:
HB 0023
– Education accountability.
HB 0024
– National Board Certification.
In the house:
House Education Committee
All three bills passed out of the committee
HB 0263
–
Postsecondary education and economic development.
HB 0294
–
School trust lands-studies.
There were no education bills up on second or third reading in the House today.