Protect workers’ pensions

Do you have a pension? It may be at risk. The U.S. Congress has passed the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) without debate, vetting, public hearings or the knowledge of most of its citizens. The act was tucked in an Omnibus Bill that needed to pass to keep the government from shutting down. It was signed into law by President Barack Obama. It is an unfair law that allows pension trustees to cut retirees' pension benefits at their discretion.

Teamsters Central States Pension Fund trustees have sent an MPRA application to the U.S. Treasury Department for permission to cut retirees pension benefits by up to 70 percent. My own husband has received notice that his pension benefits would be reduced by 60 percent. The Treasury Department has until May 7 to decline or approve the application. If it is approved, pension cuts will take effect on July 1.

Approval of this request will affect many thousands of retiree's already modest incomes, and it is only the beginning.

Teamsters Central States is the first of many pension funds that can apply for permission to cut retirees' pensions. Workers and retirees can vote against the cuts, but their vote can be overridden.

Congress passed this law and they have the authority to repeal it. They should, replacing it with a fair, balanced and bipartisan solution for underfunded pension funds.

Call members of Iowa's Congressional Delegation and ask them to support two bills: the Keep Our Pension Promises Act (bills S. 1631 and H.R. 2844) and Pension Accountability Act (bills S. 2147 and H.R. 4029). If they will not, tell them to repeal this unfair MPRA Law and work across the aisle to bring forth a better solution for underfunded pension funds.

Finally, tell them to contact Kenneth Feinberg at the Treasury Department and say no to pension Cuts.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (202) 224-3744

Sen. Joni Ernst (202) 224-3254

Rep. Rob Blum (202) 225-2911

Rep. Dave Loebsack (202) 225-6576

Call today. The pension you save could be your own.

' Kay Daubenmeir, of Cedar Rapids, is the wife of a retired teamster whose pension is being affected in this legislation. Comments: