An Act To Improve Retirement Security for Retired Public Employees
Maine Legislature, Session 127, LD 0086
Committee: Appropriations and Financial Affairs
Sponsors: SHERMAN, FOWLE, LONG, STANLEY, EDGECOMB
Amends: 5 MRSA §17806

Legislative Document 
No. 86 
H.P. 69 
House of Representatives, January 16, 2015 
An Act To Improve Retirement Security for Retired Public 
Employees 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
ROBERT B. HUNT 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative SHERMAN of Hodgdon. 
Cosponsored by Representatives: FOWLE of Vassalboro, LONG of Sherman, STANLEY of 
Medway, Senators: EDGECOMB of Aroostook, McCORMICK of Kennebec. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, cost-of-living adjustments are applied to the applicable portion of an 
eligible retiree's benefit amount beginning in September of each year; and 
Whereas, this legislation requires a retroactive adjustment to the cost-of-living 
increase applied to the eligible portion of a retiree's benefit in September 2014; and 
Whereas, this legislation may impact the percentage increase to be applied to the 
applicable portion of an eligible retiree's benefit amount beginning in September 2015; 
and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  5 MRSA §17806, sub-§1, ¶A-2 is enacted to read: 
A-2.  Notwithstanding paragraphs A and A-1, for cost-of-living adjustments awarded 
in fiscal year 2014-15, fiscal year 2015-16 and fiscal year 2016-17 only, the board 
shall automatically make a percentage increase in retirement benefits of no less than 
2.55% and no more than 3%.  The increase applies to that portion of the retirement 
benefit up to $20,000, which amount must be indexed in subsequent years by the 
same percentage adjustments granted under this paragraph. 
Sec. 2.  Adjustment to September 2014 cost-of-living increase to 
retirement benefits.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the cost-of-living 
percentage applied to retirement benefits in September of 2014 must be adjusted to reflect 
a cost-of-living percentage of 2.55%.  The Executive Director of the Maine Public 
Employees Retirement System shall determine the additional amount of funding 
necessary to adjust the retirement benefit for all eligible members that received a cost-of-
living increase in September 2014 to reflect a percentage increase of 2.55% and provide 
each eligible retiree with a one-time lump-sum payment no later than August 31, 2015. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill provides a minimum cost-of-living adjustment of 2.55% for benefits 
received by retired state employees, teachers, judges and Legislators for fiscal year 2014-
15, fiscal year 2015-16 and fiscal year 2016-17 only.