Week 1 – First Special Session
April 24-30, 2011

The Governor convened a special session of the legislature on April 26th. Special sessions last for 30 days but the House and Senate can adjourn before that time if their business is concluded. The purpose of this special session is to enact the 2011-2013 biennial budget.

WACOPS top priority through the regular session of the legislature was to protect the LEOFF 2 pension fund. This remains our top priority and there are still bills being seriously considered that will affect contribution rates and the funding in the LEOFF 2 pension Plan.

HB 2068 cuts contribution rates at the state, local, and member level. WACOPS strongly opposes this legislation and we need you to continue contacting your state Senators and Representatives. Follow this: Find your legislator link to find the email and phone number for your legislators. Please continue sending emails and calling even if you have already done so.

HB 2097 merges the LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 pension systems. This bill was originally proposed as an alternative to HB 2068. Your WACOPS lobbyists have reviewed the language of the bill, the Actuary’s Risk Analysis and the Fiscal Note on the bill. Steve Nelson, Executive Director of the LEOFF 2 Board, briefed the Executive Board on the details of the legislation yesterday. The general consensus of the board members, with the exception of Ken Crowder, is that HB 2097 is a viable alternative to HB 2068.

Law enforcement associations are split on this piece of legislation with FOP supporting and COMPAS opposing. We also have heard concerns from LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 members. Your concerns can be relieved by reviewing the facts of the legislation. WACOPS has not taken an official position but we will have to soon.

Because of the many rumors and misconceptions about both of these bills, we have prepared the attached fact sheets. Please feel free to share this information. And as always, you can direct questions and comments to us.