Senator Croci Sponsors Legislation To Establish A Temporary Retirement Incentive For Teachers

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                                           

Christine Geed, Communications Specialist

geed@nysenate.gov or (631) 398-8044

Jennifer Romero, Press Secretary

jromero@nysenate.gov or (631) 513-5657

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE

Friday, June 3, 2016

For Immediate Release

Hauppauge, NY – Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville) has introduced legislation that would provide for an early retirement incentive for teachers if it is passed and signed by the Governor. The bill, S7639-A, gives the local option to educational employers to elect to provide its employees the retirement incentive on or after June 30, 2016.

In order to qualify for early retirement under this legislation, a teacher must have reached the age of 55 and have at least 25 years of creditable service in the New York state teachers’ retirement system.

“The past early retirement incentive that was introduced in 2010 would have provided education employers and employees the opportunity to maximize the incentive five years ago and it is my hope that my colleagues join me in getting this latest effort approved so that we may pass on this win-win opportunity to our dedicated professionals in the education community,” stated Senator Croci.

“An early retirement incentive is a win-win as it provides an opportunity for those who are ready to retire to do so without penalty while providing a potential cost savings to districts,” said Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “Although districts would lose the wisdom and experience of those who choose to retire early, an incentive provides the opportunity for entry-level teachers to gain experience and make their mark on the profession.”

“Any bill that provides the opportunity to assist educators and a school district is a situation in which everyone benefits. This should be pushed forward immediately,” stated Michael Hynes, Superintendent of Schools for the Patchogue-Medford School District.

This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Pensions.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov

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