STATE OF MINNESOTA SECOND MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION
January 23, 2007
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, REFORM, TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTIONS
MINUTES
Representative Gene Pelowski, Chair of the Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee, called the meeting to order at 8:00 A.M. on, Tuesday, January 23, 2007, in Room 200 of the State Office Building.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
Members present:
Pelowski, Chairman
Morgan, Vice Chair
Anderson, S.
Brod
Hilty
Howes
Kalin
Nelson
Olson
Peterson, N.
Poppe
Simon
Winkler
Wollschlager
Members excused:
Kahn, Emmer
A quorum was present.
Representative Morgan moved that the minutes of January 18, 2007 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Scheduled for discussion on today's agenda were reports from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Testifying before the committee was Jim Nobles, Legislative Auditor. Mr. Nobles gave an overview of the post-employment benefits for public employees and described the pension deficits and benefit formula problems. Also testifying from the Legislative Auditor's Office was Jody Hauer, Program Evaluator, who described problems with the formula to increase benefits. Ms. Hauer responded to questions from committee members regarding the amount of the deficit and the formula.
Testifying from the Legislator's Auditor's Office was Dan Jacobson, Program Evaluator. He addressed questions and concerns from members of the committee regarding irrevocable trusts and retiree benefits.
Dave Bergstrom, Executive Director from the Minnesota State Retirement System testified next before the committee. A handout was passed out entitled, "Minnesota Statewide Pension Funds". Mr. Bergstrom focused on assets and revenue sources and responded to questions from members.
Testifying from PERA was Mary Vanek, Director, who gave an overview of the history of the Post-Retirement Investment fund. Discussion was held.
January 23, 2007
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Lori Hacking, Executive Director, Minnesota Teachers Retirement Association, testified before the committee and talked about the effects of combining the Active and Post funds.
Jan Alswager, Director of Government Relations, Education Minnesota, testified on behalf of teachers' retirement benefits.
Jim Nobles, Legislative Auditor, gave a brief summary regarding the pensions for firefighters.
Discussion followed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
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REP. GENE PELOWSKI, CHAIRMAN
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Kathy L. Anderson, Committee Legislative Assistant