Governor Perdue Signs Legislation Increasing Retirement Benefits for Retired Teachers

Governor Perdue Signs Legislation Increasing Retirement Benefits for Retired Teachers

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law today HB400, legislation increasing the monthly retirement benefit for approximately 8,900 retired teachers 80 years of age and older. Governor Perdue signed the bill at the Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA) state convention in Augusta, Georgia.

“Teachers touch the lives of thousands of students during the course of their careers. And when they retire, it’s important that we do not forget the lasting impact they have on our state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This increase to the monthly retirement benefit represents our deep appreciation for Georgia’s retired educators.”

Teachers with 20 or more years of service who retired prior to July 1, 1974 will receive a ten percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly retirement benefit. Teachers with 20 or more years of service who retired between July 1, 1974 and June 30, 1982 will receive a six percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly retirement benefit. Teachers with 20 or more years of service who retired between July 1, 1982 and June 30, 1987 will receive a two percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly retirement benefit.

HB400 was sponsored by Representative Brooks Coleman in the House and carried by Senator Bill Heath in the Senate. It was the top legislative priority for GREA during the 2006 legislative session.

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