Bentley pitches retirement incentives to Alabama employees

"This is a voluntary program. No one will be forced to take part," Bentley said.

State employees must already be eligible for retirement to participate, under the proposal which must be approved by lawmakers. The state would either give the employee $15,000 in two installments or pay the retiree's health insurance for 2.5 years for family coverage or 5 years for single coverage.

The legislation will be introduced in the legislative session that begins Feb. 5.