Well by now everyone has either read the newspapers, saw TV news or otherwise heard about the Gov. plan to eliminate the COLA for PERS1 & TERS1 pensions. This has generated a lot of discussion and worry by some about what it means for LEOFF 1.

The plan by the Gov. only pertains to State employees and has no effect on LEOFF 1. We are guaranteed our COLA under 41.26.

PERS & TERS 1 are covered under a 1995 law enacted with a provision that it is not contractual and can be eliminated by the Legislature at any time. I have contacted Jamie Daniels, WACOPS Executive Director and she and Lee Reeves, our lobbyist have talked to the Gov. office and confirmed only PERS & TERS are being discussed. I also contacted Joe Fischnaller this morning and brought him up to speed on what is going on. He too is not overly concerned. What we have to do is just keep an eye on the situation.

LEOFF 11 I believe would be in a more vulnerable position than LEOFF 1 so be assured that WACOPS & Council of Firefighters will monitor this. There is nothing else going on and should anything change or happen regarding LEOFF 1. I will let you know. The RCW for the 1995 legislation re PERS & TERS is 41.40.197.

FYI I had contacted each of you earlier this year with my plan to resign my position with WACOPS Executive Board but circumstances changed and I'm still here and keeping an eye on LEOFF 1 along with Jerry Taylor, LEOFF1.net,and Dick Warbrouck, Retired FF of Washington