Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Pennsylvania Outlaws 'Triple-Dipping' by State Retirees

The Senate and House both voted unanimously this week to ban this "triple-dipping" practice that allows the retirees to collect their pension, salary and then unemployment compensation.

It took barely 24 hours for Gov. Tom Corbett to put pen to paper and sign into law a bill sent to him on Wednesday that bars state government retirees who return to commonwealth service for a temporary assignment from collecting jobless benefits.

The Senate and House both voted unanimously this week to ban this "triple-dipping" practice that allows the retirees to collect their pension, salary and then unemployment compensation.

This law is estimated will save the state $1 million annually.

The state Department of Labor & Industry reports 459 retired employees cashed in on more than $2 million in jobless benefits in 2010 and 2011 after completing their temporary assignments that brought them back into state service.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
Special Projects