I won’t support harm of IPERS members

I'm consistently hearing about IPERS, the pension system for public employees in Iowa. People are telling me they are worried about what might happen to IPERS and are scared about their retirement security.

Some have told me that they have been told I support legislation that would cut their benefits or take their pensions away.

I want to cut through the rhetoric and set the record straight: I will not support legislation that harms the retirement security of IPERS members.

I sponsored a resolution last session stating my support for the IPERS system. I find it particularly offensive that there are folks out there putting words in my mouth, saying I will take IPERS away from public servants who've earned it.

IPERS members have dedicated years of their lives serving the public and paying into the system.

IPERS is well-managed and is one of the most financially stable pension systems in the entire country. Thanks to a roaring stock market, the fiscal position for IPERS is stronger. A bipartisan change a few years ago allowed more public employees to join the system. These changes, dedicated to long-term sustainability, are what will help us keep our promise to IPERS members.

IPERS members need to know these election year scare tactics are designed to help some candidates win their campaigns. What I can promise is to cut through emotional rhetoric and look at the facts. Long-term sustainability is important, and I will stand up for employees' long-term retirement security.

Ashley Hinson

State representative

Marion