HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday promoted Pennsylvania’s first cost-of-living adjustment since 2002 for public employees who retired before 2001, pointing to a state budget provision intended to increase benefits after more than two decades without an adjustment.
The measure applies to pre-Act 9 retirees, including former teachers, local law enforcement officers and firefighters, according to the governor’s office.
The adjustment was included in Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget. Shapiro discussed the measure during AFSCME Chapter 13’s Retired Public Employees of Pennsylvania Convention at the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg.
The governor’s office characterized the increase as support for public employees who spent decades in government service.
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