The Alaska House of Representatives Monday passed House Bill 236, sponsored by Representative Con Bunde (R-Anchorage). HB 236 gives teachers who work more than 50-percent of the time, but not full-time, retirement service credit based on time worked.

"Under the current system, teachers working more than 50-percent of the time, but less than full-time, receive only one-half service credit for time worked. In other words, these teachers contribute more retirement dollars, but do not get the full value of these dollars when it comes to actual retirement benefits," Bunde said. "This bill will give these teachers retirement credit based on time worked.

"Alaska is facing a serious shortage of teachers in the coming years," Bunde said. "Hopefully, this change will encourage retired teachers to come help out in our schools, knowing they'll now receive retirement credit proportional to the time they work."

House Bill 236 passed the House 34-2 and now moves to the Senate.