State Rep. Nicholas Bridle | Support HB1170

Dear Chairwoman Layon and Members of the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee, I am writing in strong support of HB 1170, which provides a supplemental stipend to certain retired Group II members whose pensions have fallen behind the rising cost of living. New Hampshire’s Group II retirees devoted their careers to public safety and public service, often at personal risk, with the understanding that their retirement system would provide stability and dignity after decades of work. For many of these retirees, that promise has been eroded by inflation, rising housing costs, and increasing healthcare expenses—pressures that their fixed pension checks were never designed to absorb without adjustment. HB 1170 is a targeted, responsible response. It does not reopen pension structures or create a broad new entitlement. Instead, it offers measured relief to retirees who are demonstrably struggling to keep pace with today’s economic realities. This approach reflects both fiscal responsibility and moral obligation. Supporting our retirees is not just a financial issue—it is a matter of fairness and trust. These individuals upheld their end of the bargain by serving our communities when they were needed most. The state has a duty to ensure that they can age with security and dignity. I respectfully urge the committee to recommend HB 1170 as Ought to Pass and to send a clear message to our retired public servants that New Hampshire stands by those who stood by us.