The IAEP proudly lends their support to New Jersey Assembly Bill (AB) 4364, a bill that aims to add a specific “EMS Part” to the state Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), enhancing pension benefits for EMS professionals in the state.
Under current New Jersey legislation, EMS professionals must have performed 25 years of service by age 55 to get 45 percent of their pension benefits. If an EMS professional is under 55 years of age, they take a 3 percent deduction on their benefits for every year under age 55 should they retire.
With AB 4364, EMS professionals would be able to retire with 25 years of service regardless of age with no penalty. Essentially, this bill would allow all EMS professionals from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life to receive the benefits that they deserve for giving their time to their community.
Moreso, this would provide a crucial step in making EMS a viable career path for all, properly compensating EMS professionals for their service regardless of their age and background.
“This legislation removes a long-standing hurdle for EMS professionals and their access to the pension benefits they’ve earned in their career serving patients in need in the state of New Jersey,” said IAEP National Director Philip Petit.
“EMS is a young industry, the prior restrictions on age and access to benefits simply did not match the reality of many professionals starting their career before the age of 21. These folks deserve the best possible retirement benefits for a career based on public health service. When we’re in need, they answer the call. This is our chance to help repay them for that dedication.”
The IAEP asks for its New Jersey members and friends to stand in support of AB 4364.
You can read more on the bill and contact your legislator about it here.
You can find your New Jersey State Representatives contact information here.
Finally, you can find a sample letter of support for AB 4364 here.
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