Both the House and Senate agreed to create a new pension plan for future rank-and-file state workers, a victory for Gov. Bobby Jindal's reform efforts.

Gov. Jindal's proposal to hike the amount rank-and-file state workers pay for retirement may cost the state more than it benefits.

Thee proposal would create a cheaper investment account similar to a 401(k) plan for state employees hired after July 1, 2013, instead of a monthly retirement payment based on their salaries and years of employment.

Jindal's push to make thousands of state workers pay more and wait longer for their retirement benefits is planned for an overhaul by senators.

Gov. Bobby Jindal's push to create a new retirement plan for future rank-and-file state workers narrowly received the support of the Louisiana House.

After years of budget crunches, nearly every state has revamped public retirement benefits in order to shrink long-term obligations.

The budget would have a $120 million state general fund hole if lawmakers don't approve a series of pension changes Jindal wants, and it would grow with the loss of federal matching dollars.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal ran into criticism Tuesday from the head of his Office of Elderly Affairs, who said the governor's plan to merge the office into the health department would damage services for Louisiana's senior citizens.