When Colorado’s lawmakers convene at the State Capitol on Jan. 12, they’ll begin the 120-day process of proposing, debating, and deciding on bills that could change state law. With only about four months to decide on hundreds of bills, it’s a busy, fast-paced time at the Capitol.

It’s also a busy time for Michael Steppat, Colorado PERA’s Public & Government Affairs Manager. He tracks legislation affecting PERA, maintains relationships with legislators, oversees lobbying, and more.

PERA On The Issues sat down with Steppat to get his perspective on the upcoming legislative session and the issues lawmakers might decide to tackle this year.

Can you explain your role and the work you do on behalf of PERA and its stakeholders?

The Colorado General Assembly is responsible for many aspects of PERA, including contribution rates and benefit levels, while the Board is responsible for overseeing PERA’s investments and the administration of benefits. PERA staff provide regular updates to the legislature so lawmakers can make informed decisions on issues that affect our members.

I represent PERA at the Capitol. I monitor and report on legislative activity, build and maintain relationships with legislators and other stakeholders, and oversee lobbying efforts. I also serve as the liaison for legislative committee staff.

It’s important that PERA is represented and can provide education to legislators — especially given legislator turnover at the State Capitol because of term limits — on the impact of proposed legislation to PERA’s active members and retirees.

Last year’s legislative session was an unusual one due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Will lawmakers be returning to a more “normal” session this year?

Last year, the General Assembly gaveled in to begin the session in January and then immediately hit “pause” on the session for several months due to COVID-19. We don’t expect the same thing to happen this year — all indications are that lawmakers will convene and begin the session as usual.

We know lawmakers plan to introduce a bill to make up the state’s missed $225M payment to PERA from 2020. What other issues do you anticipate seeing?

It’s possible we’ll see legislation pertaining to working after retirement laws, especially given the pandemic-related shortages of qualified teachers and other staff in rural school districts. There will likely be a fossil fuel divestment-related bill, which was introduced last session as well.  

There are more than five hundred bills introduced every session on a variety of issues, but the bills we can expect to be at the top of most legislators’ to-do lists next year include many of the usual hot topics like the state budget, health care and education.

Our members and retirees often ask if anything is being done about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Is there anything the state legislature can do about those provisions?

The WEP and GPO are two separate provisions in federal law that are specific to Social Security. It would require Congress to pass legislation for there to be any changes to those provisions. Last year, two bills were introduced that would repeal or change the WEP and GPO, but there has been no further action on either from lawmakers in DC. The efforts to drive this change over the past few years have, unfortunately, proved fruitless and the cost of such proposals is often mentioned as the reason. It is important for members and retirees to contact their representative or senator to have their voice heard on federal issues like this one.

Does PERA take a position on proposed legislation?

Yes, the Board of Trustees determines PERA’s legislative agenda and positions on bills in accordance with Board policies.

How can PERA members and retirees stay up-to-date and get involved in the process?

PERA On The Issues is a good place to start — our biweekly newsletter will be up-to-date on any legislation that affects PERA. We also encourage people to follow the Colorado Retirement Action Center on Facebook and sign up for the PERA Ambassadors newsletter here.

In addition, the General Assembly website has lots of great information. You can listen to committee meetings, view calendars, review the status of a bill, and sign up to testify at committee meetings.

Most importantly, we encourage PERA members and retirees to contact their legislators about issues that are important to them.