February 04, 2012
Saturday AM

I am very disappointed in Governor Parnell’s refusal to consider returning to a defined benefit pension plan for state employees. I strongly urge Governor Parnell to reconsider. The legislation SB 121 is not a return to the old defined benefit system. SB 121 is a compromise that creates less of a benefit but provides retirement security at no additional cost to the state or other employers.

Just last week, hundreds of Alaskan teachers and support professionals were in Anchorage for NEA-Alaska’s annual Delegate Assembly. Members were very vocal on the need to return to a defined benefit pension plan.

It was one young teacher who expressed it best. He was very clear that unless there is a return to a defined benefit pension plan for all teachers, Alaska will lose its best and brightest because they will not be able to afford to continue to teach in our great state.

The defined benefit pension plan issue does not just affect educators. It has serious ramifications on the stability of our teaching staff, which ultimately impacts all Alaskan students.

Barb Angaiak
President, NEA - Alaska
Anchorage, AK

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