Pension Reform Passes

A bill overhauling Pennsylvania’s public pension system is headed to Governor Ed Rendell’s desk.
The chamber voted 165-31 to pass a measure increasing the retirement age and lowering pension benefits for future state and public school employees.
Earlier in the afternoon, the House upheld the measure’s constitutionality on a 128-68 vote.
Opponents had said the Senate violated “single subject” guidelines by inserting language creating a legislative fiscal office into the measure.
Governor Rendell has voiced support for the pension bill.