HOUSE REPUBLICAN OFFICE

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Contact: Kevin Curry, 503-986-1351

HOUSE DEMOCRATS PERS BILL DOESN’T FIX THE PROBLEM

SALEM, OR – On a partisan vote today, House Democrats passed SB 822, the only bill related to the Public Employees Retirement System allowed consideration by House Democrats.

“This is Speaker Tina Kotek’s PERS plan and it doesn’t fix the problem,” said House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R – Powell Butte). “Our local schools still have to lay off teachers, increase class sizes, reduce school days and even close schools. We need real, comprehensive reform that helps our local schools, students and teachers.”

SB 822 has been roundly criticized by a large number of groups, individuals, and editorial boards as not going far enough and not fixing the problems with PERS. In addition, by deferring payments for two years, the legislation will actually cost $50 million more.

“We will be back in two years facing the same broken retirement system and we’ll be $50 million poorer,” Rep. McLane said. “We need the political courage to stand up now and fix the problem.”

The measure passed 33-27 with a single Democrat “no” vote.

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