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Jackson, MS – Speaker Jason White issues the following statement on HB 1590.
“With the passing of Committee deadline today, I am disappointed to learn of the Mississippi Senate’s inaction
on HB 1590, the PERS bill which in no way changed or modified retiree benefits but restructured the board and
rescinded the scheduled employer’s contribution increase.
Refusing to address the employer’s contribution increase, as recently enacted by the PERS board, will have
serious ramifications for our state, our city and county governments, and school districts, potentially resulting
in historical tax increases by cities and counties. Over the next 3 years, and the foreseeable future if no action
is taken, the proposed 5-10% increase requested to fund PERS will also have the effect of limiting government
services, and eliminating state and local government employees.
The Lt. Governor and Senate’s failure to address the long-term sustainability of our state’s retirement program
is irresponsible to not only PERS retirees and participants in the system but Mississippi taxpayers.
All parties have acknowledged that there is a $25 billion unfunded liability that is growing every day. The
Mississippi House of Representatives understands the plan will require increases in contributions, but without
needed reform, no amount of taxpayer dollars will cover the deficit. Unlike Washington, state and local
governments can’t print money – budgets must be balanced, which will mean making hard decisions.
I applaud my House colleagues for being willing to confront and tackle this issue and in doing so, standing up
for Mississippi taxpayers. My hope is to work together to craft viable solutions so we can keep our promise to
meet financial obligations to PERS current and future retirees while keeping all Mississippi taxpayers in mind.”
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