WHEREAS:

Public employee retirement systems are exempt from many of the federal laws governing private sector pensions; and

WHEREAS:

Many of these federal laws establish minimum standards that should apply equally to the public sector; and

WHEREAS:

The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) voted overwhelmingly to adopt and promote passage within the various states of the model pension bill "Management of Public Employee Retirement Systems Act" (M-PERS); and

WHEREAS:

M-PERS will promote uniform and equitable operation of public retirement systems by imposing fiduciary and reporting standards on these systems similar to the standards already in place for private plans. M-PERS will also establish the independence of public retirement systems from the sponsoring governments by allowing system expenses to be paid directly from the assets of the system; and

WHEREAS:

The NCCUSL delegations from each state are obligated to introduce this proposed legislation but are not obligated to support such legislation; and

WHEREAS:

Some states have already enacted laws that provide protections equal to or better than those in M-PERS.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME affiliates are urged to support the introduction of M-PERS and promote its adoption in those states where it represents an improvement over existing law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME affiliates call upon other unions representing public employees to support and assist passage of M-PERS in these states; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International Union provide assistance and expertise to affiliates working towards adoption of M-PERS.

SUBMITTED BY:

George E. Popyack, Director and Delegate
Virginia Diogo, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 57
California