Pension Reform

After years of discussion, and with a push from failing economy, the legislature, along with Governor Patrick, took the first steps toward reforming the state's retirement system by closing many of the loopholes that allowed some government employees to find ways to increase their pensions. Two of the major changes were striking the provision that allowed an official to receive a full year's pension credit for working just one day in a fiscal year and, striking the provision that allowed an official to claim "termination allowance" for losing an election.

In addition, this bill called for the establishment of a special commission to study the entire state pension system. The Joint Committee on Public Service held hearings in early November to review the menu of options for proposed changes to the pension system.