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Senate Commerce hears gubernatorial nominee Joshua Whitworth for PERSI board; committee to vote next week
Summary
Joshua Whitworth, nominated to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho board, told the Senate Commerce Committee he supports conservative stewardship of the pension fund; the committee did not vote on the appointment and will meet next Tuesday. The committee also approved minutes from its Jan. 23, 2025 meeting by voice vote.
Joshua Whitworth, the governor's nominee to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) board and executive director for the State Board of Education, appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday to introduce himself and answer questions about the retirement system.
Opening his brief remarks to Senate Commerce Chairman Foreman and committee members, Whitworth described his Idaho roots and professional background and said he supports conservative stewardship of the pension fund. “I currently sit as the executive director for the State Board of Education,” Whitworth said. “The state of Idaho runs this very conservatively and we make sure that the fund is available for the future of those teachers, community members that participate in our local counties and cities, as well as the state as a whole.”
The hearing focused on Whitworth's qualifications and on PERSI policy and communications. Whitworth told the committee he has worked in small business, real estate, health IT and government, and that he has helped with transparency efforts while working with state Controller Brandon Rolfe. He said he values PERSI's conservative approach to benefits and investments and stressed the importance of communicating with retirees about pension dynamics.
Senator Zito asked a personal question about a longtime acquaintance; Whitworth responded that he grew up with Vernon Roach in Mackay. Senator Guthrie asked about communications around cost-of-living adjustments for pension recipients after constituents complained the adjustments have not kept up with inflation. Whitworth acknowledged the effect of inflation on people on fixed incomes and said the PERSI board “takes those things seriously” and that improved communication is important, though he said he could not give specifics as a recent appointee. Whitworth noted, “we're 87% today” when asked about the system's funding level and said the board has previously been near or above 90% and at times over 100% funded.
No vote on Whitworth's appointment was taken at the hearing. Chairman Foreman told Whitworth, “the committee will meet next Tuesday to vote on your appointment,” and thanked him for his testimony.
Votes at a glance: the committee approved the minutes of its Jan. 23, 2025 meeting. Senator Nichols moved to approve the minutes and Senator Lenny seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; individual member votes were not recorded.
Why it matters: PERSI manages retirement benefits for Idaho public employees; its funding level and benefit rules affect retirees, current employees and state budgets. The committee's next meeting, when members will vote on Whitworth's appointment, will decide whether he joins the PERSI board.
