OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers agreed Tuesday to reduce benefits for future state workers who take early retirement, making a pact that had eluded them for months and delayed final action on the state budget.
The state House passed the measure shortly before 11 p.m. on Tuesday night, finalizing a deal that had eluded lawmakers for months and delayed final action on the state budget. The House had delayed debate on the bill for three hours amid concern from Democrats that other key bills were in jeopardy.
State workers who retire before age 62 are already penalized with lower pension benefits. Under the new bill, those penalties will increase to as much as a 50 percent reduction for workers retiring at the age of 55.
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The changes only apply to workers hired starting in May 2013. The plan is expected to save the state an estimated $1.3 billion over 25 years.
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