Rep. Amore bill that increases monthly benefits for spouses of deceased retired teachers passes House

State House – Rep. Gregg Amore’s (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) legislation (2017-H 5071A) that increases the monthly benefits for spouses or domestic partners of deceased retired teachers passed the House of Representatives tonight.
“This legislation is needed because 22 communities chose not to enroll their teachers in Social Security and the spouses of these deceased teachers deserve the same cost of living adjustments on those benefits that Social Security recipients receive. The fund is 140% funded and the minimal increased contributions from the school districts and the teachers are equally split. This problem has not been adjusted since 2004 and it is time we treat these spouses fairly and equitably,” said Representative Amore.
Spouses or domestic partners of deceased retired teachers are entitled to benefits if the spouse or domestic partner has reached age 60 and if they were living with the deceased at the time of the member’s death. If the spouse or domestic partner has remarried or has entered a new domestic partnership, they would be ineligible to receive the current or any future benefits.
Cosponsors of the legislation are Rep. Helder J. Cunha (D-Dist. 64, East Providence), Rep. Robert E. Craven (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown), Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence), and Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren).
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.