Bloomingdale says no changes to IPERS

Last week, Rep. Jane Bloomingdale (R-Northwood) issued a statement regarding legislation related to IPERS and other public retirement systems:
“I’ve been contacted by several constituents who have expressed concerns that their IPERS pension is in danger. Many IPERS members have spent their entire working lives contributing to and earning their pension. I know there are a lot of folks out there who are counting on IPERS as they move towards the end of their careers and I would never do anything to put their retirement security at risk.
IPERS is well-managed and remains one of the most sound pension systems in the country. As long as our pension funds remain sound, as they are now, I will fight against any significant changes.
I’ve also spoken with House leadership and they have told me that there are no plans to change IPERS this session.
I have faith that the IPERS Board, who independently manage Iowa’s pension funds, will do what is needed to ensure all of our public pension systems are properly funded and solvent for both current and future retirees.”
Last month, Rep. Dawn Pettengill (R-Mount Auburn), Co-Chair of the Public Pension Retirement Systems Committee, issued a similar statement assuring retirees that their pensions are safe. Her statement read:
“As Co-Chair of the Public Retirement Systems Committee, I can assure Iowans that there is no threat to IPERS or any other pension system next session. IPERS is well managed and remains one of the most sound pension systems in the country.
House Republicans are committed to protecting the retirement security of all public pension beneficiaries, and will not advance any legislation that alters pensions next session. Suggestions by Democrats that changes are coming to IPERS, or any of Iowa’s public pension systems, are self-serving and false.
The fear mongering tactics being used by Democrats to scare retirees are disgusting.”