Senate OKs Bill Letting Firefighters Retire Later
- Share via
A bill to raise the mandatory retirement age for federal firefighters, including those who work in Los Padres and other national forests, as well as military bases, has passed the U.S. Senate unanimously.
The Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act, written by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), would raise the retirement age from 55 to 57. The bill was passed by the House in January and by the Senate last week.
The younger retirement age was implemented several years ago when unemployment rates were higher and life expectancy rates lower.
The bill, if signed by President Bush, is expected to save $4 million over five years.
More to Read
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox twice per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.