NH House Testimony

HB1170

House · 2026 sessionRepublicanKilled in House

Retired group II stipends

AI

Provides a supplemental retirement allowance funded by the general fund to certain group II retirees and their beneficiaries, permanently adding the amount to their base annuity, and makes an appropriation for that purpose.

relative to stipends for retired group II members of the state retirement system.

RetirementPoliceAgency Appropriations

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

142 submissions
Support 129Oppose 13Neutral 0
Rob StemskaSupportGOFFSTOWN, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

This is truly needed for those who have spent their careers selflessly caring for the general public.

James FoleySupportAtkinson, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I have been retired disabled 11 years ago with out any cost of living increases. Every thing else has increased health care, food, heat, taxes sometimes it’s hard to keep up with inflation. Please help.

Georgina LambertOpposeBelmont, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Testimony on HB 1170: Concerns and Considerations While I recognize the intent behind House Bill 1170, which proposes supplemental retirement allowances for certain Group II retirees of the New Hampshire retirement system, I urge careful consideration of its potential adverse implications. The funding for this supplemental allowance is drawn from the state general fund, which raises certain concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of our state’s financial health. By permanently increasing the base annuity for these retirees, we may inadvertently place additional strain on an already stretched budget, potentially diverting resources from essential public services like education, infrastructure, and health care. Moreover, the implementation of this bill lacks a clear oversight mechanism to ensure equitable distribution and prevent unintended disparities among retirees. It is crucial to address how the selection criteria for beneficiaries will be managed and ensure transparency in the funding allocation process. Without a robust framework for oversight and accountability, we risk exacerbating existing inequalities within the retirement system, leaving some retirees at a disadvantage. As we consider this proposal, we must balance the well-deserved support for retired state employees with our responsibility to ensure that our state's financial commitments are sustainable and equitable for all citizens. In conclusion, while I support providing assistance to retired public servants, I advocate for a more comprehensive plan that evaluates the long-term implications of HB 1170, ensuring it aligns with our overall fiscal strategy and serves the interests of all New Hampshire residents.

Karen A BowenSupportRochester, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I have found it very hard to pay bill with the income I get. I have medical insurance taken out, I thank you for the new plan, but a retirement pay of 436.23 does not go far. It is an insult to the hero firefighter that are no longer here. They put the time in with the understanding that there wife/husband will be taken care of. Try to live on the retirement alongside SS of 1259.00 with a mortage of 800. (+). Please do right by our heros and take care of those left.

Brian DonaldsonSupportStewartstown, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I retired from 25 years service paying into group II retirement system at which time the history was a 2 -2 1/2 percent cola per year. It’s been twenty years since I retired and colas were all but eliminated except for one or two very small one time amounts no more than five hundred dollars all the while the monthly deposit has been reduced hundreds due to health care. Last year in July my deposit dropped several hundred dollars per month.

Thomas LingleySupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I have been retired since 2015 and I have not received a single cost of living adjustment on my pension. Not one. Over 10 years.

Timothy LabonteSupportBrentwood, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Our retired first responders need to be able to continue living in their homes comfortably.

Jed CarpentierSupportHampton, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

When you look at inflation over the last 10 years, these employees have taken a significant step backwards. Compare that against Social Security and what they have seen for. rate increases over that same timeframe. This is grossly unfair to our public sector employees. These type of things are contributing factors as to why we are faced with the recruitment and retention crisis in public safety!

John SylvesterSupportSouth Berwick, MEfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I retired in 2021 after 31 years of service to the citizens of the Seacoast Area as a Firefighter / EMT. In 2025 I chose to take the CPAT exam, and educate myself to the AEMT level and have since returned to work serving citizens of New Hampshire as a firefighter / AEMT. I plan to work as long as I possibly can as retirement has become a distant dream. My dream was to retire to the White Mountains.

Jim LitevichSupportClaremont, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Please support this bill. As you know, times are expensive and tough right now in all sectors and we need your help in keeping pace with the cost of living. Thank you for your positive consideration.

Donn CannSupportPlainfield, NH, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Our retired emergency workers were promised a pension that would keep pace with inflation and that promise was not upheld. It's time to start making this situation better for the men and women who counted on this money to pay their bills in retirement.

Jean BrassardSupportBow, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Please support our state retirees.

frank ottSupportkittery, MEfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

this stipend is long overdue for retired members

Brian PaquetteSupportNew Boston, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Please support our retirees who have given so much to their communities.

Frank LatosekSupportLaconia, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

As the cost of living continuses to rise today, the ability to pay bills and care for youself and family medical needs has become a hardship on all of us. This stipend would help those who need the added assistance to meet these rising cost. Hopefully it will also offer them opportunity to continue to save money for the family. future needs. Please look hard at this bill and understand how it's passing would be a step in the right direction to give retierees this added ability to meet today's rising costs. Some people expect everyone who has given all should be able to care for their family. Well it's going to be a long time before changes can or will be availiable to lower the cost of living which effects each and everyone one of us. Thank you for your time. Good Day and good luck to HB 1170 to pass through the committee.

John ParisSupportSunapee, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

We absolutely have an obligation to protect those people who gave so selflessly to protect all of us!!!

Arnold ScottOpposeStratham, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

This Bill provides an unnecessary retirement benefit to certain employees. They get one pension, they should not be gifted a second!!

David GoodrichSupportThetford Center, VTfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I am a retired Firefighter / EMT. I have lost a lot of ground ( financially ) since my retirement. Retirees should be getting annual COLA's to keep pace with the cost of living. These periodic stipends are better than nothing, but not as much as what we earned.

Michael CarrierSupportLondonderry, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Please support this bill. It is becoming necessary that many retirees need the financial help and therefore cannot keep up with the increasing cost of food, utilities, rent or mortgage, and especially healthcare. Thank you for your consideration

Anthony RossignolSupportChester, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

As a retiree please support this bill to help prior public service workers keep up with rising costs

William BagrowskiSupportLondonderry, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

I support this bill.

Stephen LarocheSupportGoffstown, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Many Group II retired members are struggling as housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses continue to climb, while their pension checks have not kept up. This bill provides a long-overdue supplemental stipend to those certain retired Group II members to help their pensions keep pace with the rising cost of living. Thank you for your consideration.

Doris DubeSupportBerlin, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

My husband died from his exposure Firefighting. Both my sons served and I know he would want you to support their and others who served with distinction. Please show your support.

Beth DubeSupportMilan, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Please, we served with honnor and deserve your support. Many of us suffer health wise for our service and this would help.

Kenneth DubeSupportMilan, NHfor MyselfJan 14, 2026

Please, we served with honnor and deserve your support. Many of us suffer health wise for our service and this would help.