PLAN 1 COLA BILL SIGNED!

PLAN 1 COLA Bill Signed!

This afternoon, Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1390 into law. Plan 1 Retirees will see a 3% increase to their pension payment (capped at a maximum of $62.50) beginning with their payment at the end of July.

We are tremendously grateful that the Governor chose to stand with and protect Plan 1 retirees during this crisis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is expected to face a multi-billion-dollar reduction in revenue and nearly 150 worthwhile and important investments totaling 445 million dollars were vetoed out of the state budget this afternoon.

This result would not have been possible without the work of retirees from all across Washington who raised their voices and communicated with their elected officials about the struggles faced by Plan 1 retirees.

We must also acknowledge the leadership & dedication of the bill sponsors who helped us achieve this tremendous victory.  Rep. Mari Leavitt from the 28^th LD was the prime sponsor of HB 1390 and she worked tirelessly before, during, and after the Legislative Session to get the bill across the finish line.

We are also grateful for the partnerships we have built with other groups representing public-sector retirees which enabled us to speak with a unified voice.

More work remains to ensure that Plan 1 retirees continue to be able to remain secure in their retirement, but today is a day to celebrate and give our appreciation.

We encourage all members to reach out to the Governor’s Office and their individual Legislators to thank them for their work to support the Plan 1 retirees.

Contact information for the Governor is:
360-902-4111
https://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message

Contact Information for Legislators is available here:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/