Legislation proposed in 2021, HB 220, would have given all members in the PERS/TRS system an option to buy back into a Defined Benefit (pension) retirement plan for all TIER IV employees.

If a similar bill is proposed and gains traction in the 33rd Legislature (2023-2024 sessions) public employees hired after June 30, 2006, would be offered a one-time choice to enroll in the Defined Benefit retirement system, at which time the employee’s individual contributions to the Defined Contribution account will be converted.

Other specific details will depend on the bill's sponsor and the will of the legislators. Voices from stakeholders including public employees and friends of public employees can make a significant impact.

ASEA AFSCME Local 52 members have put forth Resolutions at every Convention following 2006, supporting efforts to give employees an option to return to a concrete defined benefit plan. The State of Alaska has struggled with recruitment and retention, especially lately, and offering members an option for a dignified retirement could support efforts to recruit and retain dedicated professionals committed to providing quality public service for Alaskans.

If you are interested in lending your voice around this issue, here are three things you can do right now:

• Reach out to your current legislators to share how legislation like this would impact you (please copy us!)
• Reach out to candidates running in your district to share your interest and request their position
• Add your name to this petition that we will send once the House and Senate of the 33rd Legislature have organized

***If you have additional questions or want to ramp up your involvement and contribute to this effort, contact Samantha Harris, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Alex Baker at the Alaska AFL-CIO, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..***