News for Immediate Release

Langerholc Addresses Pension Questions

HARRISBURG (Jan. 5, 2017) Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) responded to questions about his retirement
options with this statement:
After my election, I was informed that if I did not elect to go into the retirement system, I would
be forever barred from participating in a 401(k) style plan that has been discussed and voted on
by the Senate and the House. After reflection on the information provided, I elected to be in the
SERS system to preserve my ability to opt into a 401(k) style plan.
The retirement form language which is based on state and federal law is clear. If I do not elect
to become a member of SERS within 30 days of the effective date of my current employment, or
if I decline to become a member of SERS, I will not have another opportunity to elect to become
a member of SERS.during my current employment.
I was not aware months ago that the decision I would be required to make at the start of my term
would affect my ability to enter a 401(k) style plan at any point in the future. As I said during
the campaign, I do not want to collect a defined benefit pension. A 401(k) option, however,
would be similar to what a large majority of my constituents currently have.
I stand ready to support meaningful pension reform. In fact, I have already committed to cosponsoring legislation that will convert legislators defined benefit plan to a 401(k).
In addition to fighting for pension reform, I am not accepting a taxpayer-paid vehicle or per
diems, and I will never vote to increase my pay. I have also already signed on as a co-sponsor of
legislation that requires receipts before any reimbursement from state accounts are made.
I look forward to voting for long-overdue pension reform in the near future that will protect the
taxpayers of the Commonwealth.
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CONTACT: Gwenn Dando
(717) 787-5400
Diane McNaughton
(717) 787-6725