We are making a difference but are still way behind. Here are the immediate next steps you can take:
Write to the senators on the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee
Use the following talking points:
● Finances – Sponsors claim the fund may come into trouble, but have acknowledged the offsets will not significantly benefit the PERA fund. The following facts are important:
○ PERA is currently 93% funded per PERA. Up from 92% funded in 2021
○ PERA plans a larger-than-standard 4% COLA increase to standard retirees in 2024
○ PERA just received a 600 million dollar infusion from the state
● Right to Reemployment – We oppose the offsets in this bill. PERA already has reemployment income offsets. This bill punitively changes those offsets to unlivable wages, 50% of wages will go to PERA.
● Offset Misinformation – It has been repeatedly stated that the proposed offsets won’t affect 99% of the beneficiaries. THAT IS FALSE – Approximately half of all duty-disabled first responders are reemployed.
○ A PERA disability beneficiary working an entry level job will have their benefit reduced by nearly 70%
○ Current disability beneficiaries already pay some reemployment earnings to PERA
○ First responders who were shot, stabbed, assaulted, infected, bit, burned, crashed into, or traumatized out of their career, or who developed cancer or heart disease, WILL BE IMPACTED
● Reapplication – Leaked documents show that the true intent is to make it harder to keep our pension.
● Scapegoating and Poor Accounting – PERA blames disabled first responders for newfound worries about the fund and are using “apples to oranges” comparisons between active and disabled members to claim this is “equitable”.
● Representation – Duty Disabled First Responders were not represented in this bill. We have requested a seat at the table dozens of times and have been ignored. We are offering statutory language that is equitable to both PERA and Duty Disabled recipients as a solution.
● A Pension is a Promise – We oppose retroactive language. PERA is breaking a promise made to its members that paid into PERA for a retirement benefit. PERA is changing the rules for Duty Disabled only. Retroactive law changes aren’t legal.
● Recruitment and Retention – There are over 1000+ vacancies for First Responders in the state of MN that aren’t paying into PERA. While MN considers lowering protections for first responders, other states are working to raise theirs.
Write to the legislators who have stood up for us so far and THANK THEM for their continued support.
Write the governor’s office and tell them your story of disability and how this legislation will impact you.
https://mn.gov/governor/connect/contact-us/contact-form.jsp
In the House, HF 1234 is expected to be debated on the House floor within the next couple of days. Just like in the Ways and Means Committee hearing from yesterday we want more pointed questions and debate to expose the flaws in this legislation. Even if the floor vote goes against us we need awareness to be raised through representatives asking tough questions. To that end, please continue to contact ALL representatives and educate them on the harm HF 1234 will cause. This is the final push and opportunity in the House.