House Adopts Governor's Executive Amendment To DROP Repeal
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: March 25, 2011
The
Alabama House of Representatives today voted to adopt Governor Robert
Bentley’s
executive amendment to recently passed legislation that repeals the
Deferred Retirement Option Plan, or DROP. The Governor’s Office added an
amendment would change the date at which eligible participants can
enroll in the program in order to secure a more solid
legal foundation for the bill.
After
reviewing the final legislation, the Governor’s legal adviser had
concerns that the
DROP repeal could be found unconstitutional and, therefore, thrown out
by a court. That’s too great a risk to take for this important
legislation, Speaker Hubbard said.
“Our
goal from the beginning was to do away with this excessive, unnecessary
program and
build a sensible bonus structure that will allow the state to attract
and retain the ‘best and brightest’ classroom teachers and public
employees. It would be irresponsible to risk having the law thrown out
based on a technicality and have to start all over.
Senator Marsh and I have worked with the Governor’s Office from the
beginning to pass the most prudent legislation. This amendment allows us
to avoid the expense of protracted litigation and ensures the new law
will meet legal muster.”
