State retirees will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment or a 13th check this year.

State lawmakers did not approve the pension bonuses, marking the first time that has happened in nearly 40 years. Lawmakers, last year, reduced the bonus to one-percent and the bill to provide the check did not get a hearing in the Senate after passing the House.

Senator Rodrick Bray of Martinsville says lawmakers want to look at permanent changes to the “COLA” system instead of the bonus checks.