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JACKSON, Miss.—State Democrats gathered today in the capital rotunda to voice their displeasure over proposed legislation from Republicans in regards to cutting retirement for state workers.
State Representative Bobby Moak, Rep. Steve Holland, state Sen. Kenny Wayne Jones, and Sen. Hob Bryan all spoke adamantly about the problems regarding the proposed legislation from Republicans that would freeze the cost-of-living adjustment of 10% each year for retired state employees.
This bill, according to Democrats, is still being drawn up and hasn’t been filed but they wanted to be ahead of the curve in letting their constituents know it’s on the horizon.
“Most importantly is it effects these retirees as their source of income today,” said state Representative Bobby Moak in reference to state workers currently retired.
Moak wasn’t alone in his thinking.
Senator Kenny Wayne Jones said, “If there’s any other way to find a way to solve this we need to do that. Because some people depend on this income.”
The current proposal would freeze all the checks referred to as the “13th check” by many for the next three years. Moving forward in the future, COLA would be tired to the Consumer Price Index, not to exceed three percent annually.
Jones did add, “Now if your cost of living check is $25,000 or more. I think you should be willing to take a freeze, just say everyone else can continue their way of life.”
State Senator Nancy Collins of Tupelo who proposing this legislation didn’t dodge criticism Tuesday either.
“When the [Public Employees Retirement] board brings us a recommendation I promise you Senator Collins, we’ll have dialogue, but we’re not interested otherwise,” stated Representative Steve Holland emphatically.
Senator Kenny Wayne Jones closed by telling the people of Mississippi to call their representatives and tell them to, “Leave our money alone!”
Moak said he spoke for all House and Senate Democrats when he said they were unified as one against the proposed changes to retirement for state workers.
