Potential Bill to Help First Responders and Protect Retirement Benefits, by Todd Carmack

During their working years, first responders pay more into the retirement system than most other federal workers. However, if injured and forced to change roles, they not only lose the right to retire at age 57 but also lose access to retirement benefits after years of hard work. Many believe that this has been an obvious injustice for first responders, and a potential bill could finally put this right if passed. With a bipartisan group of lawmakers supporting the bill, first responders could retain access to their retirement benefits even if they move away from the job because of an injury. After 20 years of service, first responders like firefighters and law enforcement officials gain access to defined benefit annuities at the age of 50. What’s more, the fact that they can retire at age 57 means that they pay accelerated contributions during the working years. Sadly, a defect in the system means that, up until now, all first responders injured on duty who move away from the job instantly forgo access to the retirement program. If the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act passes, this will change. The Act is led by House representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Gerry Connolly and Senate representative Jon Tester. If the worker moves to a different government department, this Act ensures that they keep access to their initial retirement program. If an injury forces retirement before annuity eligibility, workers will receive their accelerated retirement contributions back. According to Rep. Connolly, those who put their lives in danger for the country deserve protection, and assurances for retirement are a good example of this. He believes that this should apply to all first responders, including: 

• Customs and Border Protection officers
• Capitol Police officers
• Federal firefighters
• Law enforcement officers

 He says they should keep access to their retirement program after an injury, especially when they remain committed to serving after an injury. Fitzpatrick echoes these sentiments and says that first responders earn retirement security and shouldn’t ever lose it because of an injury suffered in the field. He also called first responders ‘everyday heroes’ and believes that this bipartisan legislation would ensure that the country has ‘the backs’ of first responders. So far, the Act has received lots of support from the public, law enforcement groups, and federal employee unions. The National Federation of Federal Employees president, Randy Erwin, says that the promise of an enhanced retirement program shouldn’t go away just because of an injury—every first responder puts their wellbeing at risk when wearing the uniform, and an injury shouldn’t mean that they have to work longer or lose retirement opportunities.
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Bio:
I grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, where I learned the concepts of hard work and the value of a dollar. I spent years in Boy Scouts and achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. I graduated from Iowa State University and moved to Chicago and spent a few years managing restaurants. I then started working in financial services and insurance helping families prepare for the high cost of college for their children. After spending years in the insurance industry, I moved to Arizona and started working with Federal Employees offing education and options on their benefits. I became a Financial Advisor / Fiduciary to further help people properly plan for the future. I enjoy cooking and traveling in my free time.

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