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BillS's comments:
on Recovering PERS
I'm just thinking out loud here,
Of all the guests that could have been on the program, why Phil Keisling?
Is Mr Keisling gearing up for a run at becoming Oregon's next governor?
Was there a behind the scene motive for this program?
I sincerely hope not, and, if not, I apologize for wondering.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
The amount that Alex quotes for a Jr. High teacher is not typical. I wonder if the retired teacher is also adding in their 403B distributions? I know of several individuals that fit the general description Alex provided and assure you they do not receive that kind of benefit. The numbers provided by PERS are the way it really is. Members don't just get a pension or benefits equal or greater than FAS. Something is missing in the info if the numbers from Alex are true.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
JustPeg makes a VERY GOOD point in her 11:16 post. This subject warrants a series of shows. We have lots of puppets in the media to sing the corporate song. Emily and Dave, how about considering Thinking Out Loud on JustPeg's thoughts as a show subject.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
Thank You! Your comment is greatly appreciated at our house and I am sure with others.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
Not many think about saving for retirement until they are well along in their career and have raised a family etc. It not only requires that a large amount of money be set aside for later, but that it also takes a large amount of time for the money to earn returns. Public employees are not given a choice for membership in PERS. From the beginning 6 cents of every dollar earned is put in their retirement account. These accounts have been well managed and now many years later employees are eligible to draw on the accounts. The choice to take a job without a good retirement plan, and the choice to not start early saving is not the fault of a public employee. Politicians and newspapers have had a field day stirring up a pot and pouring in distortions. If you feel you want to attack the success of others at least get your story straight and accept responsibility for your own choices.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
"Since when should retirees expect 100% of their salary in retirement? "
This statement is offensive! So is calling the employees greedy etc.
Your words "They are greedy"
You are making false statements.
Your three friends if what you claim is true do not represent the facts. The average retiree receives 55% of final salary.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
Not true! Public employees expect that the promise and contract are kept. The 100% you reference is not the case. Check your facts. Your information suggests you have formed an opinion from bad information. It is easier to be angry than to think.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
"So if we see a major LONG TERM economic collapse then the system will fail or burden the working class so thier retirement is spent covering currently retired people Right?"
Wrong.
Retired PERS members do not receive "working class" tax payer dollars. When a public employee retires the members account is placed in a fund called the Benefits In Force Fund. This is not unlike the purchase of an annuity from an insurance company. In exchange for the total of their account the retiree receives a monthly benefit. Calculation of the monthly benefit uses a complicated actuarial formula, but the amount of the account and age of retiree are the key factors in determining the amount of the monthly benefit. A retiree has to live to at least the 16th of each month or the monthly benefit stops.
Couple of notes for you to consider: Public employees are also part of the "working class". They work for public agencies that provide services that the public receives. The taxes you pay are your share of the cost for these services. You drive on safe streets, breath clean air, have a school to send your kid to, receive fire and police protection, and so on. This is the way it works in a civilized society. And, public employees pay taxes too. Question: how long does a tax dollar remain public property? Public employees are paid to perform a job. They trade their skills and time for compensation. Just like others that go to work and earn a living. It is called "Earned Compensation". A portion of the public employees earned compensation is placed in the public employees retirement account. The Public Employees Retirement System manages the public employees account. One more thought to share with you: public employees are your neighbors, and members of the same community you enjoy. They are not a different kind of citizen with different rights, privileges, or responsibilities.
Hope this helps.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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on Recovering PERS
For many years PERS members and their retirement system have been presented negatively. Family and friends of public employees, neighbors, and community have been taught to hate PERS and members. Please spend some time discussing this as part of the issue. The distorted information with the never ending drumbeat of "Unfair" has been all that citizens read or hear, and it has been destructive to members, and to citizen confidence in local government. Please present the facts regarding percent of salary and benefits most retirees receive. Please describe the changes that have been made to the system. Please present facts on what is today's PERS. Please include some discussion on why it is so popular to attack PERS and the members. These aspects regarding PERS should be part of the discussion.
posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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