Date: 04/26/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB06-235

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment H). The motion
Refer Senate Bill 06-235 to the Committee of the W		FAIL
PASS



05:29 PM -- Senate Bill 06-235

Senator Sandovol, prime sponsor, reviewed the provisions of Senate Bill 06-235, concerning public employees' retirement benefits plans.

05:32 PM -- Greg Smith, representing the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA), testified in favor of the bill. He distributed two handouts outlining the provisions in the measure (Attachment F and G). Mr. Smith walked the committee through the documents and responded to questions from the committee. Senator May asked specific questions regarding how this bill will impact PERA members. Senator Tupa asked how the bill will impact different groups of PERA members. Senator May asked Mr. Smith to explain to the committee what would happen if no legislation is passed.

06:13 PM -- Judge James Casebolt, Chairman of the PERA board, testified in favor of the bill. He informed the committee that the PERA board met on April 25, 2006 and voted in favor of the measure. Senator Fitz-Gerald asked about the PERA board and the membership and training of the board.

06:21 PM -- Deputy Treasurer Benson Stein testified against the bill, and distributed a document (Attachment G). He opposes the growth of the board.

06:30 PM -- Christine Burt, representing the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, testified in opposition to the bill. She spoke to concerns she has regarding employment reliability. She also spoke to the benefits of a defined contribution plan. She also said that she believes PERA's proposal is unrealistic.

06:38 PM -- Steve Adams, representing the AFL-CIO, testified in favor of the bill. He spoke to the improvement of this bill, however, he noted that he would like to see a board that included more members of PERA in its composition.

06:41 PM -- Dan Daly, representing the Colorado Education Association and the Colorado Coalition for Retirement Security, testified in favor of the bill. He believes this measure improves the goals of their coalition.

06:46 PM -- Tom Hart, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He spoke to the impact the PERA deficit will have the state's ability to employ and retain good employees.

06:51 PM -- Meredith Williams, representing the PERA board, testified in support of the bill. He spoke to the difference of PERA versus local plans.

07:01 PM -- West Twomey, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He spoke to the defined benefit plan.

07:04 PM -- Boulder County Commissioner Ben Pearlman testified in support of the bill. He expressed concerns with the three categories held under PERA, and highlighted the impact this measure has on local governments. He also added that the Colorado Municple League supports this measure.

07:14 PM -- Donna Zingelman, PERA retiree, testified in support of the bill. She said she does not want private benefit plans. She suggested that PERA membership be open to other departments, specifically higher education.

07:17 PM -- Woody Anderson, PERA retiree, testified in support of the bill.

07:20 PM -- Connie Anderson, PERA retiree, testified in support of the bill. She spoke to the contribution PERA retirees have made to the state of Colorado.

07:23 PM -- Herbert Homan, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

07:26 PM -- Gerald Keefe, representing the Colorado Rural School Caucus, testified in support of the bill.

07:27 PM -- Audrey Newman, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She asked the committee why the employer contribution has not be raised.

07:31 PM

Senator Sandovol provided closing comments on the bill.
BILL:SB06-235
TIME: 07:32:29 PM
MOVED:May R.
MOTION:Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment H). The motion failed on a 1-4 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Fitz-Gerald
No
Johnson
Excused
Lamborn
Excused
May R.
Yes
Windels
No
Groff
No
Tupa
No
Not Final YES: 1 NO: 4 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:SB06-235
TIME: 07:36:28 PM
MOVED:Fitz-Gerald
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 06-235 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 4-1 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Fitz-Gerald
Yes
Johnson
Excused
Lamborn
Excused
May R.
No
Windels
Yes
Groff
Yes
Tupa
Yes
Final YES: 4 NO: 1 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS