For Immediate Release
November 21, 2005
Contact: Todd Nyquist
(814) 726-7201
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Scarnati:  Senior Citizen Bill Passes Senate L&I Committee 

Warren- State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th district engineered a vote to move House Bill 163 out of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.  Scarnati, who is Chairman of the Committee, was pleased to see bi-partisan support for this movement, as this bill now goes for further consideration. 

According to Scarnati, House Bill 163 assures those collecting unemployment compensation will not be penalized because of Social Security, Railroad Retirement Act pension incomes or other 'contributed to' federal pensions they may already be obtaining.  Under current Pennsylvania law, unemployment benefits are offset by 50% if a person is already receiving some type of federal pension. 

"The implication in passage of this important legislation is strictly about senior citizens receiving just compensation," said Scarnati.  "It is without question that they should be on the same playing field as all employees." 

Across the country, thirty-nine states have already changed their laws to guarantee those older workers receiving Social Security are also entitled to full unemployment benefits. 

"Older Pennsylvanians should not be forced to see their funds cut by any means due to social security income or federal pensions," Scarnati stated. "This is discrimination towards older Pennsylvanians and it's without merit." 

Scarnati also mentioned that after many discussions with citizens and legislators, alike, he recognized that the previous bill could have been brought to a stand still for 60 days after final passage.  Consequently, he amended the language to ensure that once it passes the General Assembly and is signed by the governor, it will take affect immediately. 

"With the rising costs of healthcare, skyrocketing energy prices and much more, individuals who reach the age of retirement unfortunately need to continue working, Scarnati concluded.  "A job loss is devastating enough and people who are forced to experience this later in life deserve the same liberties to unemployment as anyone else and that is what I am working towards."