Thank you to all of our members active and retired that took time to stand with me yesterday in fighting back the attack on our pensions.

As you heard in my testimony our goal is to maintain a strong and stable system without losing benefits. It is our belief that if we all stick together we can achieve this goal. While it appears that some of our union sisters and brothers have chosen other paths it is our belief that an attack on one is an attack on all.

The proposal that was put forward by the Strategic Alliance makes sure we maintain our benefits while protecting maximum COLA’s for our Retirees. The fix is not a simple one and will have many moving parts. We need to remember that commitments to our members need to be honored, both active and retired, real COLA’s need to be paid with an eye on the Medical Subsidy which will need to be shored up. Remember if nothing changes we run out of money by 2022-2023. It may seem like a long way off but we need to keep our eye on that ball as well.

We spent until 4 pm yesterday working in the subcommittee, there was some movement, and right now (for the moment) it appears all done that the funding methodology for the system will change from the open group aggregate method to the entry age normal method. That means an increase in employer contributions for the short haul. Average final compensation definition it appears at least for yesterday has been held at the 36 month level however the subcommittee was adamant that the calculation for your pension would be your highest year with overtime not to exceed 100%, no more than that. Still up in the air is private detail pay and buyouts whether they will be included or not.

It appears the LGC has their board seat but by changing the State Treasurer to a non voting member thus maintaining the thirteen seats on the board. Still up in the air is the status of the COLA and who will give and find it, what happens to the special account and what will be the level of funding of the system before any money is added to the special account if it still exists.

 The situation is still very fluid and while it appears things are heading in one direction that could all change in a moments notice.

 Please stand by and be ready to respond on a moments notice, I need you to keep our members informed and be ready to respond with telephone calls. Locals should take out their NH State Representative lists for their districts that you were all provided at the beginning of the session when we have a final bill and make a determination whether we are in favor or opposed, we will need to secure our state representatives’ votes.

 Thanks to all for the response, I was once again proud to be a member of the IAFF and PFFNH.

 David E. Lang, President

Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire

25 Nashua Road, Box 17

Londonderry, NH 03053

603-437-0035

603-437-8288 (fax)