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Del. lawmaker proposes bill to protect pensions DOVER, DE (wesm) - (AP) A Delaware House lawmaker has proposed a bill to protect the pensions of firefighters and police officers while they are on furlough.

Rep. Bradford Bennett's bill would prevent Delaware towns and counties from reducing pensions because of lower salaries for employees on furloughs. He says his proposal won't cost the state more money.

The bill would have the most impact for employees within two years of retirement because pension calculations are based on the three highest-paid consecutive salaries. So a furlough would likely lower an employee's salary for pension purposes right before they retire.

Bennett's bill is scheduled for a hearing before the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday.

--- Information from: Delaware State News, http://www.newszap.com © Copyright 2012, wesm