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
On November 16th, the Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP) voted to recommend a proposal for a one-time 3% increase for Plan 1 retirees with cap of $110 per month. This would provide an increase of 3% to all Plan 1 retirees with pensions of $44,000 per year or less. Those with pensions larger than $44,000 would receive the cap amount of $110 per month in increase. The proposal will now be introduced to the Legislature in January.
RPEC and our retiree allies had requested a bill to provide a yearly, permanent 3% COLA similar to what retirees in Plans 2/3 receive. That proposal did not receive enough votes to pass. RPEC leaders will now meet and discuss next steps as we look ahead to the Legislative Session. While another one-time, capped increase would provide some relief to Plan 1 retirees, until there is a substantial and consistent COLA, the problem of loss of purchasing power will remain.
It is essential that Plan 1 retirees continue to communicate with their legislators about how the lack of a COLA has impacted them and their families. Our Plan 1 members appreciate the solidarity and support from Plan 2/3 retirees who understand that by protecting the retirement security of one, we protect it for all. In addition to the Plan 1 COLA issue, RPEC members will be advocating for a multitude of priorities in 2022 that impact all retirees, regardless of plan. The full list of the 2022 RPEC priorities can be found here: https://rpecwa.org/publications/rpec-legislative-priorities/
Email addresses and office phone numbers for your legislators can be found here: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/Rosters/Members The toll-free State Legislature switchboard is 1-800-562-6000.
