| State
Senator David Cappiello (R-Danbury) today co-sponsored an
amendment that would have maintained the state’s current
contribution level to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund.
The amendment would have required the state to contribute
at their usual 85% in the biennium budget, an amount higher
than the 75% proposed in the Democratic-supported Appropriations
budget and the 66% proposed in Governor Rowland’s budget.
The amendment failed 21-15 along a party line vote.
“Since
the birth of the Teachers’ Retirement Fund, it has
always been at least funded at 85%. For the Democrats to
insist that funding it at 75% is sufficient simply because
it is greater than the Governor’s proposal is illogical.
In a sense, they are congratulating themselves for failing
to meet their obligation to the state’s teachers,”
said Senator Cappiello.
“It
is frustrating to listen to Democrats speak about their
obligation to Connecticut’s working citizens, yet
vote against this amendment,” continued Senator Cappiello.
“Quality teachers are some of Connecticut’s
greatest resources. More than anyone, they deserve to have
their retirement benefits maintained. For Democrats to turn
their back on them in the name of politics is extremely
disappointing.”
Senator
Cappiello, on the Senate Floor, also spoke in favor of a
Constitutional Amendment that would require the state to
contribute to the fund at 100% each and every year.
“The
Teachers’ Pension Fund has only been funded in its
entirety once, which I find unacceptable,” added Senator
Cappiello. “I drafted legislation in the Appropriations
Committee this year that would add an amendment to our State
Constitution guaranteeing the pension system is fully funded
each year, but the Democratic Chairmen of the Committee
would not even hold a public hearing on the bill.”
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