Lawmakers consider changes after soldier's family pension denied

Lawmakers are considering changes to the retirement system after the widow of Private First Class Aaron Pelletier learned she would not be able to receive her pension.

Comptroller Sean Scanlon denied the request because Pelletier himself did not meet the requirements to receive his pension when he was struck and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in May.

“The tragic death of Trooper Pelletier exposed a flaw in state law that I, the governor and the Connecticut State Police all agree to correct,” Scanlon said in a statement.

“We are actively working together to find a solution, and we will succeed.”

Any solution will likely require legislative approval, and lawmakers say they are open to the idea, too.

“The last thing this family needs to worry about is any financial concerns,” Rep. Chris Polous, (D) Southington, said Tuesday.

Pelletier benefited from the state retirement system because he worked more than 10 years, including nine as a state trooper and two as a correctional officer.

He did not meet the criteria to receive this pension – 25 years of activity or having reached the age of 55 – which is why his family’s request was refused.

Lawmakers failed to find a solution in time for Wednesday’s special session, but Polous plans to submit a bill in January.

Legislative leaders have suggested they could even return to the Capitol for another special session if they come up with a proposal sooner.

“Anytime we are sure of what we want to do status-wise, the governor can call us back,” said Sen. Martin Looney, (D) president pro tempore.

There is bipartisan support.

“It’s really a glaring omission and I think it’s something that we’re going to have to address and rectify,” said Rep. Vincent Candelora, (R) minority leader.

Pelletier’s family is receiving help in other ways, including $100,000 from the state’s Fallen Officer Fund and five years of health insurance.

The family also receives other benefits, including workers’ compensation, and the GoFundMe amount for them has reached nearly $675,000.

Bristol changed its retirement system to provide benefits to the families of two officers, and lawmakers say they want to do the same for state troopers.