Knopp seeks ‘constitutionally viable’ PERS reform

State Sen. Tim Knopp (R-Bend) testified Thursday in favor of constitutionally viable PERS reform to fix the long-term problem of PERS liability in Oregon.

The Joint Committee on Ways & Means Subcommittee on General Government heard HB 2960 in a public hearing and work session. Knopp spoke in support of the -A10 amendment to establish a “Fair Retirement Plan” for public employees.

“Last week, the Oregon Supreme Court tossed out 95 percent of the savings from PERS reforms passed by the legislature in 2013,” Knopp said.

“We must address the looming $5 billion PERS liability now and find a long-term solution to keeping the state’s retirement system solvent into the future,” the lawmaker said.

“Aligning PERS with market-based plans found in the private sector would protect PERS for new public employees without crippling our state budget,” Knopp added.