Montgomery, AL – Democratic Party leaders in the Alabama senate are urging Gov. Robert Bentley to make changes to a bill passed by the Legislature to eliminate a deferred retirement program.
That program, known as DROP, has rewarded older state employees and teachers who stay on the job.
Republican leaders in the GOP-controlled Legislature had argued the program was too expensive and that top beneficiaries were lobbyists, coaches and high-ranking state officials. The original purpose was to encourage teachers to delay retirement and stay in the classroom rather than continuing their careers in another state.
Senate Democratic leaders urged Bentley in a statement Wednesday to add an executive amendment continuing the program, but making it less expensive. Bentley's communications director, Rebekah Mason, said the governor will sign the bill.
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