Pa. police, firefighters hit pension overhaul bill

HARRISBURG (AP) — Advocates for police and firefighters are urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to reject a proposed overhaul of the state’s municipal pension laws.

The president of the state lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police objected today to the proposal being approved as an amendment to a bill that would allow Philadelphia to increase its sales tax and defer pension payments.

Les Neri says the amendment was rammed through the Senate with not enough scrutiny or discussion.

The amended bill would provide strict new requirements for pension funds with the most serious financial problems. It includes a state takeover of the worst ones.

The measure awaits action by the House.