Recent Blogs
- Pension Funding By Jerry Taylor| 05/23/2010
- Quiet Legislature By Jerry Taylor| 01/24/2010
- Pension Health By Jerry Taylor| 01/5/2010
Recent News
Politics at Work
- Published 06/23/2010
We note that Bill Hanson who was formally with WACOPS and recently the Executive Director of the FOP has accepted Governor Gregiore’s appointment as the Lottery Director. Bill has had a long and positive relationship with the Governor, so the appoint is really no surprise. While many people have disagreed with Bill over the years has served honorably as a lobbyist in protection the interests of both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 members. He is well respected in the legislature, so his moving to the other side is a loss of us all. We wish him the best in his new position. (Our apologies for listing Bill as Bob in our email. Mea culpa.)
Jim Justin, the long time Association of Washington Cites lobbyist has just been appointed by Governor Gregorire to be her Legislative Liaison. This has to be big loss for the AWC and, in a sense, a loss to LEOFF 1 members as well. Even though the AWC is often at odds with our position on issues we have been able to work effectively with Jim. He has always been open and straightforward in his dealings. We have always been able to trust Jim’s word even if we disagreed. I sure he will serve the Governor effectively.
Jim Justin, the long time Association of Washington Cites lobbyist has just been appointed by Governor Gregorire to be her Legislative Liaison. This has to be big loss for the AWC and, in a sense, a loss to LEOFF 1 members as well. Even though the AWC is often at odds with our position on issues we have been able to work effectively with Jim. He has always been open and straightforward in his dealings. We have always been able to trust Jim’s word even if we disagreed. I sure he will serve the Governor effectively.
Featured Articles
DO NOT SEND MONEY TO THE COALITION!
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 06/23/2010
- LEOFF I Coalition
Many of you have probably received the latest mailing from the Coalition. I have had a slew of telephone calls and emails expressing disappointment at the lack of information in that document. Specifically people are concerned to see that they spent over $49,000 of your money and provided little other information to provide any understanding of where they are spending the money.
Recent Articles
Pension Fraud by New Jersey
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 08/19/2010
- Pension Watch
The Securities and Exchange Commission said the action was its first ever against a state, and only its second against any government over the handling of a public pension fund. The first was the city of San Diego. More may be in store; the agency announced in January that it had a special unit looking into public pension disclosures. The S.E.C. has been trying to assume more authority over municipal securities.
(Webmaster: This is an interesting and alarming article about New Jersey. It is worth viewing. Read the comments section as well.)
Read Article on NY Times site »
Read All Comments »
RFFOW President's Message for August 2010
- By Dick Warbrouck
- Published 08/2/2010
- RFFOW
The campaign season is in full swing. We have received at least seventy-five requests from candidates running for a position and from legislators who are seeking re-election. We even receive requests from legislators who are not up for re-election but would like to acquire a fund to pass to others whom they believe are worthy of their help. And then of course we hear from the House and Senate and the two caucuses as they solicit funds to use as they see fit. This is all in addition to the phone calls and e-mails from candidates and legislators themselves seeking donations. Remind me next year to give Monica's phone number. If you do have or know a legislator whom you feel is doing a good job, offer to help in the campaign as a retired firefighter, maybe addressing envelopes, helping with mailings or as you know, a small check is always acceptable.
Pension Report
- By Ray Sanderson
- Published 08/2/2010
- Pension Watch
The year 2008 may be fading in our collective memories, but its effects on public pension plans linger, and retirement systems and their plan sponsors continue to assess and respond to its consequences. These responses generally revolve around efforts to address higher pension costs needed to amortize higher unfunded liabilities resulting from the market decline. However, other factors are driving the need for changes at many plans, especially a) chronic failure by some plan sponsors to make required contributions, and b) approval of benefit levels that plan sponsors either would not or could not pay for.
Payback Time
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 06/23/2010
- Pension Watch
The New York Times has been running a series of article dealing with the financial challenges facing local and state governments. They make for interesting reading as they point out some of dangers facing us. Fortunately, Washington State’s pension system remains in good health. See the full article for reviews of this series and links to the articles.