Lobbyists urge lawmakers to slow down on retirement changes

CONCORD, N.H.—Union and public safety executives are trying to get the state Senate to reject proposed changes to New Hampshire's retirement system.

They say the plan, which has been passed in the House, unfairly cuts their benefits in the name of trying to stabilize the pension system.

Lawmakers are looking at changes after learning about 2.7 billion dollars in future costs arent covered by existing rates.

Witnesses at a Senate hearing on Wednesday urged senators to remove a change that would require new police officers and firefighters to work 25 years to retire with a pension at age 50 rather than the existing law that awards a pension after 20 years at age 45.

Union officials said the change would have the state paying more because more firefighters would end up on disability.

The New Hampshire Municipal Association said the current pension is not affordable, and benefits have to be scaled back over time.

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Information from: The Telegraph, http://www.nashuatelegraph.com