Senator Kissel Supports Resolution To Preserve Pension and Health Insurance Benefits

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) voted in favor of legislation last week that memorializes Congress to preserve pension and health insurance benefits earned by retirees. The Resolution received near-unanimous support in the state Senate.

“Citizens in various occupations work hard for years believing that their pensions and health benefits will be there for them when they retire,” said Senator Kissel. “Congress needs to ensure that workers in all fields can fully enjoy their retirement with the benefits they have earned intact.”

Preserving pensions has received a great deal of attention this legislative session, especially in regards to teachers. Connecticut’s public school teachers rely on state retirement for their pensions, rather than the federal government’s Social Security System. Senator Kissel is co-sponsoring legislation that would guarantee that the teacher’s pension plan be fully funded each year.

“I have co-sponsored Senate Resolution #3 that would amend Connecticut’s Constitution to require the General Assembly to provide yearly contributions to the teachers’ retirement fund in an amount certified by the Teachers’ Retirement Board,” said Senator Kissel. “Teacher’s provide a very important service to the state so we need to ensure that their pension fund remains solvent.”

That legislation has already been approved the Government Administration and Elections Committee and now sits on the Senate Calendar.

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader and the Ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee. He represents the seventh district communities of East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.