LANSING – State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) proposed House Bill 5443 this week, legislation that would provide an early retirement package to Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) employees for the purposes of trimming the ranks at MDOT and applying those budgeted funds to road surfaces.
“As a legislator, it is my job to ensure state agencies are spending taxpayer dollars wisely,” Dianda said. “As we look toward putting together a road funding package, we need to look at our current expenditures and how we can adjust those to make sure that we have the funds we need to fix and maintain our roads. Creating a leaner, meaner MDOT through an early retirement could help us do that.”
More specifically, the bill would: provide for a ‘70 and out’ retirement, adding age plus years of service; add a 1.75 multiplier to the employee’s final average compensation; eliminate age restrictions on retirement; and allow MDOT employees to purchase up to five years to get to 70.
“This bill will help Michigan taxpayers save money,” said Dianda. “With those savings, we can work toward improving our roads and show that we are committed to major structural changes for the betterment and efficiency of MDOT operations.”