House Republican Press Release

June 29, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DelGobbo Pushes to Fund Teachers Pensions

Democrats Vote Against Even Bringing Up Measure for Debate

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70^th, Naugatuck, has proposed that the state fully fund the teachers’ pension fund.  Majority Democrats, however, voted against even bringing up the measure for debate.

In the final action of the June 28 special session, House Republicans proposed a state constitutional amendment requiring that the teachers’ retirement system be funded on an actuarial basis following generally accepted accounting principles.

In a party line vote, the House voted 81-34 that the Republicans’ proposal was out of order, thereby defeating the effort to bring up the issue for debate and a vote.

“Connecticut taxpayers face a tremendous unfunded liability because the teachers’ retirement system is underfunded,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “We must take action to put the teachers’ pension fund on a sound footing, so that teachers are assured of future pension benefits and taxpayers do not face tax hikes to pay for teachers’ retirement.”

“A large number of legislators had cosponsored a measure during the session to secure teachers’ pension benefits,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “But when it came time actually to bring up the issue, debate it and vote on it, the majority said no.”

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives.