Creditable military service under the Wisconsin Retirement System. (FE)
Impact
The bill impacts state laws concerning the retirement benefits of public employees. It facilitates the accrual of creditable service for military time, thereby potentially enhancing retirement benefits for a specific group of employees—those with military service who also work in corrections. This change aims to recognize the service of military veterans and incentivize their retention or re-employment within the Wisconsin Retirement System, ultimately leading to an improved retirement safety net for eligible employees.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1147 aims to amend the rules surrounding creditable military service for participants in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The proposed legislation modifies the eligibility conditions, allowing a participant who has served in the Department of Corrections for at least five years and terminates employment after the bill's effective date to qualify for military service credits. Under the current law, participants can receive up to four years of credit for military service; however, this bill expands eligibility and provides greater flexibility regarding the return to employment by allowing participants to return to any WRS employer, not just their previous one.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding AB1147 could stem from the financial implications of granting additional military service credits. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to make additional contributions to cover the costs associated with these expanded benefits. This aspect might lead to debates about cost versus benefit, particularly among lawmakers and stakeholders concerned about fiscal responsibility within state-funded retirement systems. Moreover, there could be discussions surrounding the equitable treatment of different public employee groups and whether these benefits should extend more broadly to include other sectors.
Fiscal_estimate
An assessment of the bill's impact on the state budget and on the Employee Trust Funds Board's financial planning will be essential. The requirement for the Department of Corrections to cover increased costs will necessitate careful evaluation to ensure that the bill's implementation does not adversely affect the state’s financial framework.
The management of assets of and the voting of ownership interests in securities by the Wisconsin Retirement System and the retirement systems of the City and County of Milwaukee. (FE)
The management of assets of and the voting of ownership interests in securities by the Wisconsin Retirement System and the retirement systems of the City and County of Milwaukee. (FE)
Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education Act or the CHOICE ActThis bill expands school choice programs for elementary and secondary school students.The bill specifies that a student in the District of Columbia must, in order to qualify for an opportunity scholarship, be currently enrolled, or be enrolled for the next school year, in a public or private elementary or secondary school.The bill also authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to support the design and implementation of state programs that allow the parent of a child with a disability to choose the appropriate public or private school for their child. It also outlines the requirements for program eligibility.Further, if the state has established a program that allows parents to use public or private funds to assist with the cost of their child attending a private school, then the state may supplement those funds with federal special education funds.Additionally, the Department of Defense must carry out a five-year pilot program to award scholarships to enable military dependent students who live on military installations to attend the public or private elementary or secondary schools their parents choose.The bill also requires ED to return to the Treasury specified amounts made available for salaries and expenses.
In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for regulated hunting grounds permits.
In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for regulated hunting grounds permits.