April 2005

Fellow Members:

This is to let you know a little about HB333. Before Spring Break there had been little or no action taken on either SB275 or HB333. On Wednesday March 30^th, we traveled to the capital to testify on HB333. There was a hearing set for 6:00pm with the Retirement Committee. However they did not get out of session until about 8:00pm. There were 80 people (that’s a guess) in attendance. Rep. Todd Smith (sponsor) spoke about his bill. He says that this is not a Kingdom builder for Mosers and that it won’t change any of the benefits, and won’t affect our heath care. He gave information comparing Mosers and MPRS. He had no witness to call in favor of the bill.

Norm Robinson from MPRS spoke in opposition and gave several comparisons between the two systems. He also had many facts and figures, to many to mention here. Jay Wonderlick, Governmental Affairs Director, spoke next in opposition to the bill on behalf of Modot and the Commission. They have some issues with the bill that they outlined and sent to employees and Rep. Smith. Next was a gentleman that spoke in opposition on behalf of the retirees. I also spoke in opposition of the bill. After several phone calls and e-mails we feel there are to many unanswered questions.

Don’t forget about April 18^th, the Ice Cream Social/Lobby Day. Oh yeah don’t forget your safety vest!!! I also need to have numbers for lunch reservations.

Thanks

Mark O’Dowd