3 Cool Things
Sen. Tobin co-sponsors SB 88 to set up a new defined-benefit pension plan for public employees and teachers - Senate Transportation discusses non-motorized transportation - Peace Corps lunch and learn
(1) It’s [Past] Time For Defined Benefits
For years, Alaska’s public sector retirement system has come under justified criticism that it does not provide for a secure retirement for public sector employees. That’s why I was excited to see the introduction of Senate Bill 88 by Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage).
I am proud to co-sponsor this priority bill, which would set up a new defined-benefit pension plan for public employees and teachers in Alaska. SB 88 would also allow current Tier 4 employees to convert their 401-K defined contribution plan to the new defined benefit plan.
Without a defined benefit plan and a Social Security plan for teachers, we are not competitive among other states.” - Senator Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)
The Anchorage Daily News has a good write-up about Senate Bill 88 and you can sign up to receive updates about the bill by texting SB 88 to (559) 245-2529.
“Becoming more competitive in the workforce will help bring stability to our economy and families back to Alaska, and to do that, we need to get this policy right. Our current system shows we are not competitive, and it’s bleeding into the private sector because of the alarming amount of public employee vacancies which is leading to the absence of basic state services and functions.” - Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak)
(2) Senate Transportation Committee
In late February, the Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing focused on Alaska’s multi-modal/non-motorized transportation system and vulnerable road users. As a year-round bike commuter, I was excited about the hearing, which you can watch by clicking the image below.
(3) Proud of the Peace Corps
As a proud former Peace Corps volunteer, I was happy to host a legislative lunch and learn on March 1 featuring Sen. Forrest Dunbar (D-Anchorage) and Brian Holst, who serves as the Executive Director of the Juneau Economic Development Corporation. All three of us are returned Peace Corps volunteers. You can watch the lunch and learn presentation by clicking below.
