Dear RIFTHP Member,

Would you like to see improvements to the pension plan for teachers, state workers, and municipal employees? If so, now is the time to act. Legislation to improve retirement eligibility—known as the “Rule of 90”—is currently under consideration in the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The RIFTHP has prioritized strengthening pension benefits for public employees. The “Rule of 90” would allow eligible employees to retire a few years earlier than is currently permitted under Rhode Island law. Legislation to enact this proposal has been introduced by Representative Deborah Fellela (H 5198) and Senator Frank Ciccone (S 450).

This proposal impacts public employees in the state, teachers, and the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS). It allows employees to retire without penalty at age 60 with 30 or more years of service, a meaningful change from the current “Rule of 95” system.

📄 Learn more about how this legislation would work and why it’s important:
👉 Click here to read our Fact Sheet on the Rule of 90

We know this change won’t benefit every member immediately, but it represents meaningful progress. Most employees would gain new retirement flexibility—even if they choose not to use it.

Please take a moment to send a message to your legislators urging them to support S 450 and H 5198.

Thank you for standing with us to make public service stronger and fairer for all.

In Solidarity,

Maribeth Calabro

President, RIFTHP