State retirees call on lawmakers to make cost-of-living-adjustments for pensions

Dozens of advocates and lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol East Rotunda on Tuesday, to call for a ‘cost-of-living-adjustment’ for thousands of pre-Act 9 public sector retirees.

The General Assembly hasn't passed any COLA legislation since 2002, meaning that state and school employees who retired before then have no increase to pension benefits. The average pre-Act 9 state retiree is living on less than $20,000 a year.

“For two decades, we’ve seen budget after budget neglecting the need for a COLA," said Rep. Steve Malagari (D-Montgomery County).

“These folks worked hard for many years. And I think we can all agree that they have earned their retirement," said Aaron Chapin, the president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Scott Brown, who was a high school math teacher before retiring in 2000, says many people are struggling due to inflation.