Senate Bill 2296 has now cleared the Senate and has been transmitted to the House Workforce Development Committee for consideration. The deadline for the Committee to Report this bill is Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
THE BILL: Senate bill 2296 is requesting an exemption from statutory salary caps for the Director of Workforce Development, but for the first time ever, it is also requesting exemption from having to pay into the retirement system.
WHY WE ARE WORRIED: While on the surface, the bill only affects one individual, it sets a dangerous precedent for future requests to exempt individuals, groups, job classes, etc., with the effect of the retirement fund being reduced. It could lead to going from the defined benefit program we currently have to a 401K, or optional retirement program that many legislators support.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Once again, we are asking you to contact your House Members and the members of the House Workforce Development Committee and ask them to remove the language which allows this person to opt-out of paying into the retirement system. The future of our fund could depend on it.
HOUSE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Donnie Bell, Chairman
Kenneth Walker Vice-Chairman
Otis Anthony
Sam Creekmore, IV
Ronnie C. Crudup
Oscar Denton
Kevin Felsher
Jill Ford
Dale Goodin
Zakiya Summers
Rickey Thompson
Joseph Tubb
You may email any House Member at “first initial.last name@house.gov” or call 601-359-3770 and ask the person who answers to give your House Member a message. Thanks so much for protecting everyone’s retirement benefits.