Maine Sen. proposes changing double dipping rules

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine state senator has proposed changing the rules that restrict educators and other state workers from collecting retirement benefits at the same time they are getting a full paycheck.

Cape Neddick Democrat Dawn Hill says a money-saving law passed last year restricting so-called "double dipping" missed the mark because while it was aimed at superintendents and principals it ends up hurting classroom teachers and state workers.

Hill's bill specifically states that the restrictions are to apply to superintendents and principals, not state employees or teachers.

Chris Galgay, president of the Maine Education Association, tells Maine Today Media (http://bit.ly/ykODfE) that the current restrictions prevent local school boards from rehiring good teachers and teacher assistants. He says teachers sometimes need to return to work out of financial necessity.

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Information from: Morning Sentinel, http://www.onlinesentinel.com/