Wash. Senate approves new state retirement option

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The Washington state Senate has approved a bill that would create a new retirement plan option for government employees.

Lawmakers approved the measure with a 25-22 vote, moving to create a 401(k)-style system that workers can use. Republican Sen. Barbara Bailey says the proposal would give workers an option at a time when some want flexibility and portability with their retirement money.

The Senate did approve an amendment that would allow workers to move back into a standard pension plan if they dislike the 401(k)-style option.

Democrats largely opposed the bill, arguing that it wasn't clear how the measure would impact the existing pension system and saying the proposal should be more thoroughly studied. The measure now goes to the state House, which is controlled by Democrats.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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  • southi5 wrote...
    OH NO
    Isn't this what the Lazy B workers are going to strike over? Must be terrible then. Whatever....move along.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    ""We think this is merely a gratuitous attack on a workforce whose moral is already low," Devereux said."
    To heck with the taxpayer's morale....I guess as long as you folks are happy everything must be just fine and dandy. Hey Devereux, ask how the private sector that has been dealing with thereal cutbacks for 5 years feel.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Fuego wrote...
    They should
    study the problem with a task force of 15 people for 2 years to see if its a good idea and the study it some more. That way they can further pi55 off us taxpayers even more.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    We already know they have low Moral's But -"morale is already low" Really?????
    How is that possible? Most of these people just show up and with very little to no accountability they collect a paycheck and a cushy unearned pension. What do they need for a morale boost a sit at home and do absolutely nothing job that collect's a paycheck and pension?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Howdy wrote...
    "We think this is merely a gratuitous attack on a workforce whose moral is already low," Devereux said.
    I guess continued beatings to improve morale only works on the taxpayers who pay your salaries, right Devereux?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    Most of these people just show up and with very little to no accountability they collect a paycheck and a cushy unearned pension.
    there you go boo hoo!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }