Washington state lawmakers move to limit 'retire-rehire' policy

The Associated Press • Published May 03, 2011 Modified May 03, 2011

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Washington state lawmakers are moving to limit a "retire-rehire" policy that allows state employees to collect both a pension and a paycheck.

The House voted to revive the measure Tuesday during a special session largely dedicated to the budget. Republican Rep. Barbara Bailey of Oak Harbor says there has been widespread abuse of the program.

The bill would allow retiring state employees to be re-hired on a part-time basis. If they work too many hours in a year, their pension benefits will be temporarily frozen. The Senate passed a similar measure two months ago.

An investigation by The Seattle Times last year found that 2,000 state employees were collecting both a pension and salary, costing taxpayers about $85 million yearly.

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