Retired Public Employees Council of WA Working to protect and enhance the pension and health care benefits of Washington retired state, county and local government employees
The RPEC Executive Board has selected three State Legislators to receive the 2023 RPEC Legislative Champion Award:
Senator Steve Conway (D, Tacoma) was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 5350, providing a one-time 3% COLA to PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees and directing the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study and recommend an ongoing COLA proposal. Throughout the session, he worked closely with RPEC to make sure the bill passed and was appropriately funded.
Senator June Robinson (D, Everett) fought to secure a budget proviso promoting retiree voice and choice in PEBB health insurance plans and increasing accountability for the Healthcare Authority.
Representative Drew Stokesbary (R, Auburn) consistently advocated for an ongoing COLA for Plan 1 retirees. He introduced House Bill 1459, which would have provided an ongoing Plan 1 COLA, and spoke on the House Floor about the need for an ongoing COLA.
Additionally, the RPEC Executive Board selected three legislators to be recognized for their service to retirees with a certificate:
Senator Christine Rolfes (D, Bainbridge Island) spoke on the Senate Floor about the need for an ongoing COLA. She played an instrumental role in negotiating the final budget which responsibly funded pensions and included the Health Care Authority accountability proviso.
Senator Sam Hunt (D, Olympia) introduced SB 5169 promoting retiree voice and choice in PEBB health insurance plans and increasing accountability for the Healthcare Authority. While SB 5169 did not pass, much of it made it into the final budget as a budget proviso carried by Senator June Robinson.
Representative Mike Steele (R, Chelan) sponsored HB 1804 which will allow retirees to remain enrolled in PEBB plans if their former employer leaves PEBB. Rep. Steele also introduced HB 1294 which would have restored an ongoing COLA for Plan 1 retirees.
