Dear RIFTHP Member,

Would you like to see an improvement in the pension plan for teachers, state workers and municipal employees? If so, one proposal affecting retirement eligibility is up for consideration this year in the Rhode Island General Assembly called the "Rule of 90."

The RIFTHP has prioritized improving pension benefits for public employees. The “Rule of 90” is legislation that would enable employees to be eligible to retire a few years earlier than current law. Legislation to enact a "Rule of 90" has been filed by Representative Deborah Fellela (H 5092) and Senator Frank Ciccone (S 86).

Click here to see a fact sheet on the "Rule of 90."

This proposal affects public employees who participate in the pension plan for teachers, state workers and municipal workers in the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS).

Currently, the normal retirement age is a person’s normal social security retirement age (age 67 for most currently employed). Since 2015, employees have been able to retire earlier than their normal social security retirement age if they meet the “Rule of 95,” where age plus years of service equals at least 95. Current law allows retirement of those age 62 with at least 33 years of service, age 63 with 32 years of service, age 64 with 31 years of service, or age 65 with at least 30 years of service. S 86 and H 5092 would allow those who are at least age 60 with 30 or more years of service to retire without penalty, thus a “Rule of 90,” where age plus years of service equals 90 or more.

We know this legislation will not help every active member, but passage of this bill would allow most in the current workforce to retire earlier than current law allows even if they chose not to.

We believe that this legislation is an essential first step in making public employment more attractive by making improvements to the pension system for the active workforce.

Please join this effort by letting your Senator and Representative know that you want the "Rule of 90" to pass this year.