03/02/2021
ACTION ALERT:
HB 162 - PERA Board Changes
Dear RPENM Member:
An amended committee substitute for HB 162 (PERA Board changes) will be heard as the first order of business at the State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Although the amended committee substitute makes some improvements to the original bill, there are still significant problems with this legislation. Most importantly, this legislation does nothing to address the incredible underrepresentation of retirees on the PERA Board. Retirees currently represent about 50% of all PERA members, but would only get 2 board positions on the new board, or less than 17% of the positions on the new board.
If the legislature is going to make significant changes to the PERA board, there should be proportional representation for retirees on the board. Retiree representatives should account for approximately 50% of all board positions. In addition, retirees were not consulted on this important legislation. The best solution is for the legislature to study this matter during the interim process, consult with all stakeholders and propose a true compromise that has been fully vetted during the 2022 legislative session.
Please immediately call the below members of the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee and the Speaker of the House, Brian Egolf. These Representatives are considering making major changes to the PERA Board, which greatly impacts your retirement and livelihood without your input and consent. Other members of the committee are committed to protecting your rights and we do not need to call those members.
Urge the below members to vote NO on HB 162 until retirees get proportional representation on the PERA Board and/or until retirees have been included and have a meaningful voice in determining any major changes to the PERA Board of Trustees. Finally, remind the below members that, as retirees, WE VOTE!
Please take action today:
Submit a personal email and/or call Speaker of the House, Brian Egolf, in opposition to HB 162.
Representative Brian Egolf - [email protected] - (505) 986-4782
Submit a personal email and/or call to these House State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee members in opposition to HB 162.
Representative D. Wonda Johnson, Vice Chair - [email protected] - (505) 986-4433
Representative Gail Chasey - [email protected] - (505) 986-4411
Representative Daymon Ely - [email protected] - (505) 986-4243
Representative Doreen Y. Gallegos - [email protected] - (505) 986-4774
Representative Kristina Ortez - [email protected] - (505) 986-4254
Take Action Wednesday.
Testify in opposition to HB 162. Log on to the committee hearing Wednesday, March 3, 8:00 AM MST by clicking here.
The Chair of the committee will ask you to vote in favor or in opposition to HB 162, please vote no online during the meeting when you are given the option.
Thank you for your continued support and advocacy. Please feel free to share this email with friends and family who support our position.
Thank you,
Joel W. Pafford
President
RPENM Board of Directors
Retired Public Employees of New Mexico