HARRISBURG - The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to end so-called "triple dipping" of unemployment compensation benefits by retirees.
The practice involves an individual who collects a public pension or private retirement benefit while returning to temporary work, only to collect unemployment compensation when leaving the job. Senate Bill 297 introduced by Sen. Patricia Vance, R-31, previously received approval by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, chaired by Sen. John R. Gordner, R-27.
"Under current law, there is no prohibition against an individual collecting unemployment if he or she leaves a temporary job to continue retirement or annuity benefits," Gordner was quoted in a press release from his office. "In the past three years, more than 600 state retirees have returned to work on a temporary basis, and have then collected $2 million in benefits while receiving a state pension."
Senate Bill 297 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Gordner said the General Assembly should complete work on the legislation this spring.
"We've made great strides in the past two years to reform our unemployment compensation system, and we must continue to ensure that the system is strong to provide benefits to those who truly qualify," Gordner said.