Porter celebrates 13th check, criticizes 5% cut

Today, April 23, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) signed the conference committee report for House Bill 1221 to provide teachers and public retirees with a 13th check for another year. However, the benefit amount for each tier will be cut by 5%. This cut is unrelated to the budget deficit since the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) has fully funded reserve accounts that cover the costs of 13th checks. 

Porter released the following statement: 

“For another year, our retirees will get a 13th check. But they’re getting less than what they deserve. Each tier will get a 5% cut, which is completely unnecessary. We have a $2 billion budget deficit, but our general fund doesn’t pay for 13th checks. 

“We have the money, and it’s sitting in the INPRS supplemental reserve account. We’re already doing these one-year makeup 13th checks, and now the amounts are being cut. Our retired teachers and valued public employees need this benefit. They’re going to experience the blowback of Trump's economic policies. Senate Enrolled Act 1 will save our seniors little, and their local income taxes will probably increase. 

“If I were a young person, I wouldn’t see the value of working for the state. We don’t take good care of our retirees, and we fall short on our promises. Our seniors, retired teachers and state employees will continue drowning in costs while Republicans dole out tax cuts and money in the budget to big businesses.”