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Pension Bill updates Good and Bad

It's nearing the end of the legislative session so here's a snapshot of where we are at.

First the positive. SF4721/HF4514 has passed the Pension Committee. This Bill lowers PERA Correctional Plan Contributions and Employer Contributions as well as raising the COLA Cap from 2.5% to 3%. Read the summary here  https://www.lcpr.mn.gov/documents/mtgmaterials/2026/2026.04.07/SF4721-HF4514%20Summary.pdf

MNCORA submitted written testimony supporting this Bill. 


Now for the Bad. Bill HF708/SF1556 to add a PERA Correctional Officer seat to the PERA Board is stalled. 

Last session Senator Cal Bahr sat with MNCORA President Wade Laszlo and introduced the Bill to the Pension Committee. The Bill was heard last session but Pension Committee Chair Senator Nick Frentz laid it over. Meaning no vote was taken to move it out of Committee. 

PERA opposed this Bill because it would make the PERA Board even numbered (like the Teachers). We were advised that Amending the Bill to make one of the existing elected seats one dedicated to a PERA Correctional Plan member would "get less resistance." 

That Amendment was drawn up and sent to Rep. Peggy Scott's Office to be heard by the Pension Committee. To date there's been no progress. We also contacted Sen. Bahr's office as well as Pension Committee Chair Frentz.

It is our understanding that the last Pension Committee meeting might be April 14th. If the Amendment isn't heard or voted on or the original Bill voted on and passed it will die in Committee and we will be at ground zero again. 

It's hard to understand how a non-partisan Bill that gives a voice to PERA Correctional Officers on their own Pension and  literally has no cost can't progress.





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