AL Retirement Program for Older Public Workers Repealed

The Montgomery Advertiser explained that DROP allows state and edu­cation employees who are 55 years old and have 25 years of service to receive salary and retirement benefits while continuing to work. Republicans felt it was nec­essary to eliminate the pro­gram, which they called a “luxury retirement pro­gram,” during these tough economic years, according to the news report.  

Before signing the bill, Bentley added an executive amendment allowing those who were eligible and who had signed up for the pro­gram before he signed the bill into law to still be enrolled. The governor’s lawyers were concerned about the legality of the bill although his advisers told legislators that extending the enrollment would be too costly and that they had evaluated the legality.  

Bentley, in a statement, said he amended the bill to avoid “protracted litigation expense” and to “offer fur­ther clarification on the eligi­bility participation,” according to the Advertiser.  

Senate Presi­dent Pro Tem Del Marsh said the state could save $40 million to $50 million by eliminating the program.