By State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper)
Public retirees like state police officers, teachers and other state employees spend years dedicating their careers to public service across Indiana.
The Indiana Public Retirement System is one of the strongest retirement systems in the country, and a new law I supported this year will make it even better.
House Enrolled Act 1004 allows for a 13th check to be provided to many public retirees this year and will provide a 1% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for those who retire after July 1, 2025. Those who retire before this date will receive an annual 13th check every year.
Part of this legislation is a result of the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight's work in 2023.
The committee considered ways on how to responsibly manage public retirees' hard-earned money in preparation for the 2026-2027 state budget.
It was this committee's report that recommended the General Assembly consider legislation to provide an annual 13th check for public retirees who retire before a cutoff date and the annual COLA for those who retire after the date.
The law allows public retirees to continue to receive enough money to meet their needs as the costs of living rise in the years ahead.
House Enrolled Act 1004 was signed into law by the governor on March 13, and went into effect immediately.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Messmer website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
