House Speaker McCall, 50, to get hefty pension when he retires later this year
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HARRISBURG -- Not many 50-year-olds can retire from their job with a pension that could hit $90,000 a year, but state House Speaker Keith McCall is doing it.
The Carbon County Democrat said yesterday he'll retire Dec. 1 after 28 years in the state House and at the end of the current two-year legislative term, so he can spend more time with his family.
"I first came to Harrisburg in 1982 as a single, 22-year-old man following in my father's footsteps," said Mr. McCall. "Now I have a wonderful wife and two amazing children -- all of whom I owe not only my thanks, but also a lot of missed dinners, baseball and football games, volleyball games and help with homework.
"As much as I care for the institution of the House, I love my family and it's long overdue that I put them first. I know in my heart I am doing the right thing for myself and my family."
Mr. McCall's pension hasn't been calculated yet, but based on 28 years in the Legislature and his salary, which this year is $122,254, it could reach at least $90,000 a year under a state pension formula. The normal retirement age for a legislator is 50.
In 1982, Mr. McCall succeeded his late father, state Rep. Thomas McCall, in the Carbon County House seat. He was Democratic whip, the third-ranking post, in the 2007-08 session and was elected speaker in January 2009.
Mr. McCall and other top House leaders were heavily involved in last year's fractious, long-running talks over a state budget, which didn't produce a budget until Oct. 9 -- 101 days late. The final piece of the budget, $250 million from legalization of table games at casinos, didn't get resolved until last week.
Discussions on a new state budget -- for the fiscal year that starts July 1 -- are due to start soon, but those talks may be even more difficult than last year. That's because state revenues are still lagging behind projections and one-time money sources, such as the state's Rainy Day Fund for emergencies, have been used.
First Published January 13, 2010 12:00 am
