rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/state-employees-support-option-for-defined-benefit-pension?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-state-employees-support-option-for-defined-benefit-pension' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> AFSCME ASEA Local 52 https://actionnetwork.org/groups/afscme-asea-local-52-2 https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg 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 will of the legislators. Which can be influenced by the voices of the members and employees that care about and would be impacted by this legislation. 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 have additional questions or want to ramp up your involvement and contribute to this effort, contact Samantha Harris, samanthah@afscmelocal52.org, or Alex Baker at the Alaska AFL-CIO, Baker@akaflcio.org.*** https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/state-employees-support-option-for-defined-benefit-pension