Adjust Text Size

For Immediate Release
10/25/06
Back to Releases

Legislature Approves Pippy Bill Preserving Pittsburgh Police Benefits for Surviving Spouses, Children

Bill to remove provision that penalizes families of Pittsburgh police officers sent to governor for enactment.  

Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by state Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to preserve benefits for spouses and children of deceased Pittsburgh police officers was approved by the General Assembly on Monday and sent to the governor to be signed into law.  

Under Senate Bill 1148, spouses and children of deceased officers would continue to be eligible for pension benefits after the spouse remarries. Pittsburgh is the only municipality in Pennsylvania in which police benefits are cut off when the spouse of a deceased officer remarries.  

"This is about fairness and about helping the families of police officers who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the community," said Pippy. "There is no reason that families of Pittsburgh police officers should be treated differently from those in every other municipality in the Commonwealth."   

Said Pittsburgh Fraternal Order of Police President Jim Malloy: "I am grateful to the Legislature and Senator Pippy for working to pass this legislation. It takes some of the burden off the loved ones of officers who have passed away, and allows them to continue with their lives with the benefit they received." 

 Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Koch said the legislation was a long time coming. 

"We deeply appreciate the support of the Senator of this very important bill. It is long overdue and will be a benefit to the widows and widowers and their families," said Koch. 

Pippy introduced the bill in March, and it worked to have it passed by the Senate in June.  

 CONTACT: Matt Campion (412) 262-2260