
<p>Retirement insights from a Colorado PERA perspective</p>



<p></p>


A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<p>With 2023 winding down and a new year approaching, we’re taking a look back at the topics and articles that resonated with <em>PERA On The Issues </em>readers over the past 12 months. Legislation — at both the state and federal levels — was by far the most popular topic this year.</p>



<p>Here are the articles that caught your interest in 2023.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/an-update-on-2023-wep-gpo-legislation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>An Update on 2023 WEP/GPO Legislation</strong></a></h4>



<p>Every Congress, lawmakers introduce bills to modify and/or repeal Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which can reduce Social Security benefits for retirees receiving pension income. This year was no different, with efforts in the House and Senate receiving hundreds of cosponsors. So far, none of those bills have moved any further through Congress.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/2023-proposed-legislation-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>2023 Proposed Legislation Status</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Colorado General Assembly is always a popular topic on <em>PERA On The Issues</em>, and 2023 was no exception. Our article tracking the status of PERA-related legislation was one of the most-read articles of the year. Out of seven proposed bills, lawmakers ultimately passed three of them.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/colorado-legislators-pass-three-pera-related-bills-during-2023-legislative-session/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado Legislators Pass Three PERA-Related Bills During 2023 Legislative Session</strong></a></h4>



<p>Gov. Jared Polis signed all three PERA-related bills into law. One bill requires a description of climate-related investment risks, impacts, and strategies to be included in PERA’s annual <em>Investment Stewardship Report</em>, one allocated additional money to make up the state’s 2020 direct distribution of $225 million to PERA, and the third modified the definition of “State Trooper” to include certain Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers for the purpose of PERA benefits.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/news-you-should-know-larger-tabor-refund-checks-coming-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>News You Should Know: Larger TABOR Refund Checks Coming in 2024</strong></a></h4>



<p>In June, state officials announced that TABOR refund checks owed to Coloradans next year would be higher than initially expected. Since then, lawmakers <a href="https://coloradosun.com/2023/11/20/colorado-special-session-bills-passed-2023/">passed a bill</a> that sets the refund payments at $800 for single tax filers and $1,600 for joint filers.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/test-your-knowledge-of-pera-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Test Your Knowledge of PERA Benefits</strong></a></h4>



<p>In March, we published this quiz about PERA benefits, testing our readers’ knowledge on topics such as the PERA Board of Trustees, retirement benefit calculations, and purchasing service credit. So far, more than 3,400 people have taken the quiz and boosted their knowledge of PERA in the process.</p>



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<p>Thank you to everyone who read <em>PERA On The Issues</em> and subscribed to our newsletter in 2023. We look forward to sharing more with you next year, beginning with the start of the 2024 legislative session in early January. We’ll see you then!</p>



<p><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/subscribe/">Click here</a> to subscribe to the biweekly <em>PERA On The Issues</em> email newsletter.</p>


Year in Review: Top Articles of 2023


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/fed-squeezes-inflation-and-economy-harder-with-a-tenth-possibly-final-rate-hike-7488377?hid=a526fec8f4710d579c898e2c1bdd1b7d2a8953bb&amp;did=9039691-20230503&amp;utm_campaign=market-sum_newsletter&amp;utm_source=investopedia&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=050323" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Fed Squeezes Inflation and Economy Harder With a Tenth—Possibly Final—Rate Hike | Investopedia</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve once again raised its key interest rate as it tries to fight inflation, bringing the rate to its highest point since 2007. Officials say rate hikes appear to be working and inflation is slowing, suggesting the Fed is taking more of a wait-and-see approach on interest rates going forward.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://content.copera.org/news-you-should-know-fed-raises-rates-again-but-may-pause-going-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>State-Run Retirement Programs Spurring More Private-Sector Plans | Pensions &amp; Investments</strong></a></h4>



<p>A growing number of states — including Colorado — are now offering government-run IRA-style retirement plans for private-sector workers whose employers don’t offer a 401(k) or other plan. Rather than discouraging uptake of employer-based retirement plans, recent research finds the state-run plans seem to be encouraging more businesses to offer retirement plans of their own.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/26/medicare-will-cover-alzheimers-treatment-leqembi-after-fda-approves.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Medicare Will Cover Alzheimer&#8217;s Treatment Leqembi After FDA Approves | CNBC</strong></a></h4>



<p>Medicare has faced scrutiny over its decisions to cover or not cover certain new Alzheimer’s drugs. In a recent hearing before Congress, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Medicare will cover the new drug Leqembi for eligible patients if it’s granted full approval by the FDA this summer.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2023/05/09/2023-colorado-legislature-bills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>101 Bills Debated in the Colorado Legislature in 2023 That You Should Know About | Colorado Sun</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Colorado Sun combed through the 600-plus bills introduced at the Capitol this year to find the ones that will affect — or would have affected — your life. Spoiler: while several different tax credits were deliberated and some passed, HB23-1016 (Temp Tax Credit For Public Service Retirees) did not make it out of the House.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Fed Raises Rates Again But May Pause Going Forward


<p>It was a sprint to the finish line as lawmakers finished their work on hundreds of bills in the final days of the 2023 legislative session.</p>



<p>Colorado’s first regular session of the 74th General Assembly ended on May 8, 2023. Over the course of 120 days, legislators took up seven bills affecting Colorado PERA. Here’s a brief summary of the three that passed and are awaiting the signature of Gov. Polis to become law.</p>



<p><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senate Bill 23-016</a> includes multiple provisions that are meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. The PERA-related provision in the bill requires a description of climate-related investment risks, impacts, and strategies to be included as part of PERA’s annual <a href="https://www.copera.org/investment-stewardship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Investment Stewardship Report</a>.</p>



<p><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senate Bill 23-056</a> requires the state to make an additional payment to PERA in the amount of the remaining balance of the <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERA Payment Cash Fund</a>, plus $10 million in General Fund, which results in a total payment of approximately $14.5 million. This payment is intended to recompense PERA for the cancellation of a previously scheduled July 1, 2020, direct distribution of $225 million, in addition to the compensatory payment provided in <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb22-1029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous legislation</a>.</p>



<p><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senate Bill 23-163</a> modifies the definition of “State Trooper” to include wildlife officers and parks and recreation officers hired on or after January 1, 2011, by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the Department of Natural Resources. It applies the State Trooper contribution rate and benefits to eligible employees and their employers effective July 1, 2023. Those individuals who qualify under this definition in state statute are commonly referred to as “safety officers” for the purposes of PERA benefits in our materials.</p>



<p>Four other bills affecting PERA were introduced but did not pass. Read more about them <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/2023-proposed-legislation-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>PERA will continue to engage with lawmakers during the interim period between legislative sessions. That oversight process includes meeting with legislative panels on the Legislative Audit Committee, Pension Review Commission and Subcommittee, and the Joint Budget Committee. These are opportunities for PERA to provide updates on its policies, financial condition, administration of the association, and answer questions from lawmakers.</p>


Colorado Legislators Pass Three PERA-Related Bills During 2023 Legislative Session


<p>Winter is nearly over (according to the calendar, at least), and state lawmakers in Denver are more than halfway through the 120-day Colorado General Assembly. In Washington, DC, senators and representatives from across the country are well into their own legislative work in Congress.</p>



<p>Some of that important legislative work pertains to public employees and their retirement benefits. Here we discuss key actions lawmakers have taken so far in 2023, as well as what may still be ahead.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Colorado legislation</strong></h4>



<p>So far this session, state lawmakers have introduced more than 400 bills, seven of which apply directly to Colorado PERA.</p>



<p>Four of those bills have been postponed indefinitely. That means the bill is no longer under consideration and these will not make it to the House or Senate floor for a vote. This can happen if lawmakers decide a bill needs more work or doesn’t have the support to pass.</p>



<p>Several other bills remain under consideration and are working their way through the process in the state legislature. Included in those bills is <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB23-056</a>, which aims to fully recompense PERA for the state’s missed 2020 payment of $225 million to PERA. Legislators <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/colorado-lawmakers-pass-bill-making-up-225m-payment-to-pera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passed a bill last year</a> that aimed to make up that payment, and Gov. Jared Polis signed it into law. This new bill aims to pay PERA the remaining shortfall of $35.05 million.</p>



<p>Other bills currently under consideration include <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB23-016</a>, which would require PERA to include in its annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.copera.org/investment-stewardship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Investment Stewardship Report</em></a>&nbsp;a description of climate-related investment risks, impacts and strategies, and <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HB23-1176</a>, which would create a new defined contribution plan for members of PERA’s School and Denver Public Schools divisions.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/2023-proposed-legislation-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Proposed Legislation Status</a></p>
</blockquote>



<p>As we saw last year, legislative work can continue all the way up to the last minute of the session, so there’s still plenty ahead. That includes the Long Bill, which lays out the State’s budget and spending for every state department and program for the next fiscal year. The Long Bill will be introduced in the Senate in late March. All legislative activity for the current session will wrap up by May 8.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Federal legislation</strong></h4>



<p>Lawmakers in Washington, DC have been working on bills affecting public employee retirement.</p>



<p>While Congress passed the package of retirement-related legislation collectively known as SECURE Act 2.0 in late December, many of its dozens of provisions don’t take effect until 2023 or 2024. Those include an increase in the age that retirees must start taking their annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) and new types of penalty-free distributions from retirement accounts.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/whats-in-secure-2-0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What’s in SECURE 2.0?</a></p>
</blockquote>



<p>Congress is also tackling an issue that comes up every session: <a href="https://content.copera.org/checking-in-on-legislative-activity-so-far-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset</a>. The two provisions of federal law can reduce Social Security benefits for members of Colorado PERA, which serves as a substitute for Social Security. While lawmakers have introduced bills addressing the WEP and GPO in every session of Congress in recent years, the bills never make it to a floor vote for full consideration, with lawmakers citing the cost as a key reason.</p>



<p>So far this year, lawmakers have re-introduced last year’s Social Security Fairness Act, which seeks to repeal both the WEP and GPO. Last year, we saw multiple similar bills, with some aiming to modify the WEP and GPO calculations rather than repealing them. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will introduce other bills on the topic this year.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/bill-to-repeal-wep-gpo-reintroduced-in-congress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill to Repeal WEP/GPO Reintroduced in Congress</a></p>
</blockquote>



<p>As always, <em>PERA On The Issues</em> will continue to track these topics and others that come up throughout the year. You can <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">subscribe to our biweekly email newsletter</a> to stay in the loop, as well as sign up for the <a href="https://www.copera.org/ambassador-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERA Ambassador</a> email list to be informed about important legislative activity.</p>


Checking in on Legislative Activity So Far This Year


<p><em>The 2023 Colorado General Assembly commenced January 9 and will continue for 120 days.</em></p>



<p><em>Below you’ll find summaries of proposed legislation affecting Colorado PERA. The status of each bill will be updated regularly.</em></p>



<p class="has-text-align-right">Last updated: June 7, 2023</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB23-056</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Compensatory Direct Distribution To PERA</h3>



<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Requires the state to make an additional payment to PERA in an amount equal to $35,050,000 that, along with the payment required under <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/colorado-lawmakers-pass-bill-making-up-225m-payment-to-pera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HB22-1029</a>, is meant to fully recompense PERA for the cancellation of a previously scheduled July 1, 2020, direct distribution of $225 million. The source of funds identified for this payment is the balance of the <a href="https://peraontheissues.com/2021-proposed-legislation-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERA payment cash fund</a>, with any remaining amount coming from the state&#8217;s general fund.</p>



<p><strong>Sponsors:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/chris-kolker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sen. Chris Kolker</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/shannon-bird" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Shannon Bird</a></p>



<p><strong>Status: </strong>Passed; Gov. Jared Polis signed into law on June 2.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB23-016</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures</h3>



<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Would require the PERA Board to adopt a proxy voting policy that ensures any voting decisions align with the state’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, as well as require PERA to include in its annual <a href="https://www.copera.org/investment-stewardship"><em>Investment Stewardship Report</em></a> a description of climate-related investment risks, impacts and strategies. </p>



<p><strong>Sponsors:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/chris-hansen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sen. Chris Hansen</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/karen-mccormick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Karen McCormick</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/emily-sirota" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Emily Sirota</a></p>



<p><strong>Status:</strong> The Senate Finance Committee amended the bill Feb. 21 to remove the section pertaining to PERA&#8217;s proxy voting policy. Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill into law on May 11.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1092" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HB23-1092</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Limitating Use of State Money</h3>



<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Would require PERA staff to make investment decisions solely on financial factors and would prohibit consideration of social, political, or ideological interests. The PERA Board opposes efforts to restrict PERA’s investment options or compel PERA to invest in a way that prioritizes a policy outcome over fiduciary duties.</p>



<p><strong>Sponsor:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/rod-bockenfeld" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Rod Bockenfeld</a></p>



<p><strong>Status:</strong> Postponed indefinitely</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-104" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB23-104</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Denver Public Schools Division Employer Contribution Reduction</h3>



<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Would reduce the employer contribution rate of the Denver Public Schools Division of PERA from 10.4% to 7.15% of salary. The PERA Board opposes reductions in contributions while PERA has unfunded liabilities.</p>



<p><strong>Sponsors:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/james-coleman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sen. James Coleman</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/chris-hansen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sen. Chris Hansen</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/jennifer-bacon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Jennifer Bacon</a></p>



<p><strong>Status:</strong> Postponed indefinitely</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HB23-1144</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Public Employees&#8217; Retirement Association Defined Benefit Plan Payments To Ex-Spouse</h3>



<p><strong>Summary: </strong>This bill seeks to make changes in state law regarding the division of PERA Defined Benefit Plan benefits in legal separation or dissolution of marriage or civil union actions. Parties to these actions in Colorado may enter into an agreement allocating a portion of the PERA Defined Benefit Plan benefits to the retiree’s former spouse.&nbsp; The bill would terminate benefits to the former spouse of a PERA retiree if the former spouse remarries.</p>



<p><strong>Sponsor:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/regina-english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Regina English</a></p>



<p><strong>Status:</strong> Postponed indefinitely</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HB23-1176</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">PERA Defined Contribution Plan School Personnel</h3>



<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Would create a new &#8220;flexible defined contribution plan&#8221; for new members of PERA&#8217;s School and Denver Public Schools divisions. The plan would be separate from the existing PERA Defined Contribution (DC) Plan, which is available to State and Local Government division employees, and would offer members the ability to elect their contribution rates. The PERA Board opposes the bill as introduced because of the costs associated with the proposal and the inability for PERA to administer such a plan as written due to its failure to meet federal rules for governmental plans.</p>



<p><strong>Sponsor:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/don-wilson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Don Wilson</a></p>



<p><strong>Status:</strong> Postponed indefinitely</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-163" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SB23-163</a></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officers Classified As State Troopers</h3>



<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Would reclassify wildlife officers and parks and recreation officers employed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as safety officers for the purpose of determining their PERA benefits.</p>



<p><strong>Sponsors:</strong> <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/perry-will" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sen. Perry Will</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/iman-jodeh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Iman Jodeh</a>, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/mike-lynch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rep. Mike Lynch</a></p>



<p><strong>Status:</strong> Passed; Gov. Jared Polis signed into law on June 6.</p>


2023 Proposed Legislation Status


<p>On Jan. 9, state lawmakers will convene at the Capitol in Denver for the 74<sup>th</sup> Colorado General Assembly. Over the course of the 120-day legislative session, lawmakers will introduce hundreds of bills that could ultimately change state law.</p>



<p>This year’s General Assembly will include dozens of new legislators. PERA’s Public &amp; Government Affairs Manager Michael Steppat will be helping those legislators get up to speed on all things PERA as the new session begins. We sat down with Steppat to discuss the upcoming session.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>For those who aren’t familiar, can you explain your role at PERA and at the State Capitol?</strong></h5>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-medium"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.copera.org/preparing-for-the-2023-colorado-legislative-session"Two men shaking hands inside the Colorado State Capitol building" class="wp-image-4901"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">PERA Public and Government Affairs Manager Michael Steppat (right) at the State Capitol.</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>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.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tell us about some of the changes at the Capitol this year and the outreach you’ve been doing.</strong></h5>



<p>There are more than 30 new legislators at the statehouse this year, which is a large number even in a state like Colorado that has term limits. There have also been changes of leadership on some of the committees that provide PERA oversight. It will be important to make sure lawmakers understand how PERA works and the importance of recent legislation related to PERA.</p>



<p>In the days leading up to the start of the new session, I’ve been reaching out to all the newly elected legislators to introduce myself and let them know I’ll be a point of contact to help them with any questions and provide information as the session unfolds.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Why does PERA monitor and engage in the legislative process?</strong></h5>



<p>While the PERA Board of Trustees is responsible for administering benefits and overseeing PERA’s investments, the Colorado General Assembly is responsible for many other aspects of PERA, such as contribution rates, benefit levels, and the amount of the annual benefit increases that retirees receive.</p>



<p>PERA staff provide regular updates to the legislature so lawmakers can make informed decisions on issues that affect our members.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The legislative session is a busy time, but you’re active at the Capitol year-round. What kind of activities have taken place since the last legislative session?</strong></h5>



<p>There’s a lot of important work that happens after a session ends and before the next one begins. PERA leaders and staff routinely meet with and report to various legislative bodies that oversee PERA’s operations and financial health. Those groups include the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee and Joint Finance Committee, as well as the Pension Review Commission and the Pension Review Subcommittee.</p>



<p>In between sessions, there are also meetings held with various lawmakers and PERA stakeholders with an interest in PERA and the issues that can affect our members and retirees. PERA, its benefits, and legislative changes over the years can be a lot to learn, but it’s our goal to help educate stakeholders without overwhelming them.</p>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s your advice for people who want to advocate for a particular bill or outcome at the legislature?</strong></h5>



<p>The most important thing people can do is contact their&nbsp;<a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legislators</a>&nbsp;about issues that are important to them. In addition, the General Assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>&nbsp;has lots of great information. You can listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/content/committees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">committee meetings</a>, view&nbsp;calendars, review the&nbsp;<a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">status of a bill</a>, and sign up to testify at committee meetings.</p>



<p>And of course<em> the PERA On The Issues</em> biweekly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peraontheissues.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="broken_link">newsletter</a>&nbsp;will be up-to-date on any legislation that affects PERA. We also encourage people to sign up for the PERA Ambassadors newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://content.copera.org/preparing-for-the-2023-colorado-legislative-session/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>


Tag Archives:

Year in Review: Top Articles of 2023

News You Should Know: Fed Raises Rates Again But May Pause Going Forward

Colorado Legislators Pass Three PERA-Related Bills During 2023 Legislative Session

Checking in on Legislative Activity So Far This Year

2023 Proposed Legislation Status

Preparing for the 2023 Colorado Legislative Session

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