Jehlen delivers maiden speech

Senator Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville,  delivered her maiden speech on the floor of the Senate May 4 in support of a bill that raised the annual minimum pension for longstanding pubic servants from $10,000 to $15,000.  The Massachusetts State Senate unanimously approved the legislation raising the minimum pension for approximately 2000 former state employees and teachers with at least 25 years of service.   
    ‚ÄúIncreasing the minimum pension from $10,000 to $15,000 annually will ensure that  2000 former public employees have just the minimal resources they need to live,‚Äù said Jehlen. ‚ÄúBy approving this bill, the Senate affirmed that longtime public servants deserve the chance to live a decent life throughout their retirement.‚Äù

   Last increased in 1998, the increase in the minimum pension is expected to cost $34 million or $2.7 million a year. 
   ‚ÄúPassing this legislation sends the message to people that if they enter into a career in public service they will not be taking a vow of poverty,‚Äù she said.  ‚ÄúIncreasing the minimum pension also recognizes that the Commonwealth will not allow our public servants to join the growing number of seniors living in poverty.‚Äù