"Public Employees' Retirement System"

The bill would move Alaska’s public employees back to a pension system, and that would be a big change from the current 401(k)-style plan.

The decision made on April 2 allows former teachers and government workers who were previously members of Tier I, II, III retirement plans to pay back their cashed out contributions and get credit for additional years they worked.

Late last month, the Senate Finance Committee introduced bills to cut back the Community Revenue Sharing grant program, and up the amount schools and municipalities pay toward employee’s pensions. But now, at least, one of those bills – the one dealing with PERS contributions – has been put on hold. The bills were pulled from Monday’s scheduled hearing with less than a day’s notice.

Senators introduced four new bills Monday that would require local governments and schools to pay more for pensions, end two college scholarship programs, and cut the amount that municipalities receive in state funding. Towns and schools are concerned about the effect on taxes and services.

None of the candidates to represent Juneau in the state House of Representatives next year have challengers in this month’s primary election.

City Manager Kim Kiefer wants to balance Juneau’s budget with a combination of savings, spending reductions and property tax increases.

Senate Bill 30 would let local and state government workers choose between a traditional pension and a 401(k)-style retirement savings account.

Alaska’s mayors and other local officials are worried their governments may be asked to pay more for public employees’ retirement