Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, authored the benefit-bumping bill. He sits in the House chamber on April 12, 2023. (Courtesy Indiana House Republicans/Cherry official Flickr)
Indiana’s House of Representatives on Monday unanimously voted to offer former public employees a retirement benefit boost known as a 13th check.
The Senate killed an identical attempt last year, but Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray is among the sponsors of this year’s bill — giving the legislation his powerful support and nod of approval.
However, his chamber is also weighing its own take on a retirement benefit, authored by Sen. Brian Buchanan: a long-term approach featuring a guaranteed bonuses instead of the traditional ad hoc treatment. That’s in accordance with recommendations from an interim study committee.
House Bill 1004 author Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, acknowledged the push for a hybrid approach.
“I look forward to going down that road,” Cherry said, following the vote on his bill. Buchanan is also the primary Senate sponsor of Cherry’s bill.