By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The Senate committee on health, education and social welfare welcomes comment from the public regarding a Bill that is seeking to exempt teachers and nurses from the mandatory retirement age.
The committee, which is chaired by Senate Vice President Mlib Tmetuchl, is currently reviewing the law.
During a special session last week (May 10), the Senate passed on first reading a SB. No. 7-192, which proposes to address the shortage of teachers and nurses in the workforce.
This is by exempting these positions from mandatory retirement at the age of 60 or after 30 years in public service, as currently required under Title 33 of the Palau National Code.
The Bill, which was introduced by Sen. Santy Asanuma, explained that many qualified educators and health care practitioners are forced to retire from the workforce due to either their age or time in service.
Thus, exempting teachers and nurses from the mandatory retirement age would allow many qualified individuals to continue to serve the Republic in their respective professions.
The Bill would also allow currently retired individuals to return to their respective pensions or Social Security benefits.
It also stated that all pension and SS payments will continue to be paid to qualified teachers and nurses despite rehiring.