This was a copy of a letter presented to the Retirement and Independent Entities Committee on 11/12/09 by the Utah Law Enforcement Coalistion (ULEC). The UPEA Law Enforcement District holds a board position on the ULEC.
Dear Representative,
On behalf of the Utah Law Enforcement Coalition (ULEC), I wish to express concern about harming a nation leading Utah Retirement System by making rapid changes that could have unintended, long term, negative consequences for a short-term problem. The ULEC opposes legislation which reduces or limits the benefits of the URS defined benefit plans or which may have the effect of increasing the cost of these benefits to its members.
Representing law enforcement officers throughout the state, the ULEC board agrees that careful evaluation and consideration for the long term implications of potential changes must be taken into account. Short term reactions to the perceived crisis in the financial markets would be harmful to our retirement system. Therefore it is our position that prior to any changes being made to the system, that a professional study be performed to analyze the long and short term effects of such modifications.
After careful review, our organizations conclude that the current system serves to attract and retain high quality employees while protecting the taxpayers. Furthermore, due to the prudent funding principles established by the Utah Legislature over several decades, the Utah Retirement System is sound. Changing the current retirement system, in our opinion, does not serve the State.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your support.