Record of Testimony

My name is Mary Riley a Chapter 94 retiree, here is my testimony.

I am writing in regards to the MERS Police & Fire pensions. Due to the 2012 Pension Reforms, first responders now have to work longer careers to satisfy the minimal pension requirements for retirement.

December 11, 2023

Dear Treasurer Diossa and Members of PAWG,

I retired in 2010. I have never received a COLA. Not only have I never received a COLA, but I was also encouraged to take the added Social Security benefit that would have to be paid back.

I support Major James Rowley's position

Submitted via online webform

General Treasurer Diossa and members of the Pension Advisory Working Group

Dear Treasurer James A. Diossa.

I retired from the State of RI after 30 years of public service as a social worker with the Department of Children Youth and Families. I believe the state has an ethical and legal responsibility to provide the COLA funds that were promised in the contract when we began our employment.

I am 48 years old and have worked for the State of Rhode Island for 23 years. According to the pension calculator, if I retire at 67 years old after 42 years of dedicating myself to public service, my pension will be $42,000.00 per year. In 2037, I shutter to imagine how much that will support.

I am a RI State worker Retiree. The following link is a piece written by an agent from the Economic Policy Institute. The article explains the intentionality of government decisions regarding our pension security...