The Louisiana House is considering whether to raise retirement costs for state employees, a move that would lower take-home pay but give state coffers an extra $25 million a year. The proposal, by Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, is scheduled for House debate today. Gov. Bobby Jindal is pushing the idea to plug gaps in the state budget. The bill would increase the percentage of pay that workers put in the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System by 3%. It wouldn’t apply to employees in hazardous lines of duty, like prison guards. Supporters say that since the state’s share of retirement costs has grown over the last 20 years, employees should contribute more to their benefits. Critics say state employees shouldn’t be forced to take pay cuts to solve state budget problems.
La. House to consider $25M retirement cost hike
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