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Bill

B 26-0043

Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program Creditable Service Benefit Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Bill grants creditable pension service credit to Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program participants, increasing their future DC retirement benefits but adding unfunded liabilities to the pension system.

Public Hearing on B26-0043
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · B 26-0043

Legislative bill overview

This bill amends the District of Columbia's pension system to grant creditable service credit to participants in the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. Creditable service is time counted toward pension eligibility and benefit calculations. The amendment would allow summer youth program participants to have those work hours count toward their eventual DC government pension benefits.

Why is this important

Summer youth employment programs typically serve low-income young people with limited work experience, and pension credit recognition could significantly increase long-term retirement security for vulnerable populations. However, this creates a fiscal liability for the DC government's pension fund, which is already heavily underfunded and subsidized by general tax revenues.

Potential points of contention

  • Pension fund solvency: DC's pension system requires substantial annual taxpayer subsidies; adding creditable service increases long-term unfunded liabilities without corresponding revenue increases
  • Program scope and cost: The bill's fiscal impact depends on program participation numbers and vesting requirements, which may not be clearly quantified in available documents
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether short-term summer employment should receive the same pension treatment as full-time career government service, and whether this prioritizes youth employment over other DC programs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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