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Committee hears support for one‑time COLA for Plan 1 retirees; advocates urge permanent restoration
Summary
A House Appropriations public hearing on House Bill 1474 drew retirees, unions and state budget staff to discuss a one‑time cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for Plan 1 pension beneficiaries and the push for a recurring COLA. Supporters described economic strain on Plan 1 retirees; local government representatives warned of employer cost impacts.
A House Appropriations Committee public hearing on House Bill 1474 focused on a proposed one‑time cost‑of‑living adjustment for Plan 1 retirees and broader calls to restore a recurring COLA.
Proponents told the committee that many Plan 1 retirees face steep increases in housing, health care and utility costs and said a one‑time COLA would provide immediate, limited relief while urging the legislature to restore a permanent, recurring COLA that was revoked in 2011.
"I think there's quite broad understanding and and support, for ensuring that the, plan 1 retirees don't at at the very least, don't fall any further behind," Jared Mason Greer, representing the Washington Education Association, told the committee. The WEA and retired educators asked the panel to pursue an ongoing COLA rather than a single ad hoc payment.
Eileen Perfrimit of the Washington State School Retirees Association said House Bill 1474 would provide "much needed short term relief" but does not deliver the ongoing…
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