Senator Eric Buckson introduced Senate Bill 52 (SB 52), a bipartisan initiative to address the growing staffing shortages in Delaware’s schools and essential state agencies, particularly those requiring 24-hour shifts. The proposed bill aims to update employment rules for state pensioners returning to work, offering practical solutions to critical workforce needs.
Currently, pensioners who wish to return to work in designated positions must adhere to a six-month separation period and are subject to an annual earnings cap of $50,000. SB 52 seeks to remove the earnings cap starting in 2025 and reduce the separation period to just three months. Additionally, the bill lowers the age threshold for separation requirements from 59 ½ years to younger workers, and it ensures that substitute teachers in charter schools are covered under the same provisions as those working in public school districts.
Senator Buckson stressed the importance of these changes, noting that schools and state agencies are struggling to fill positions. He stated, “Our schools and essential state agencies are facing significant staffing shortages, and arbitrary restrictions on pensioners who are willing and able to work are only making the problem worse.” He went on to say that the bill provides a balanced solution, allowing experienced professionals to return to the workforce without sacrificing federal compliance.
SB 52 has already been assigned to the Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee for review and is expected to provide much-needed relief to the state’s workforce challenges. This bill is seen as a practical approach to enhancing the capacity of critical services while benefiting both workers and the community.
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