Fallon hostsPERS workshop

Nevada’s public workers — both retired and actively employed – are strongly encouraged to attend a meeting on Thursday to learn how Assembly Bill 190 may affect benefits and future contributions into the program.

Presented by the Retired Public Employees of Nevada and the Nevada Classified School Employees and Public Workers Association, the meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Oasis Community Church on 1520 S. Maine St.

Guest speakers include Patty Machal, a retired PERS employee; Julie Hansen, PERS counselor; and Ron Dreher, a lobbyist for public workers.

According to the sponsors, the meeting will focus on current PERS benefits and other legislation that may harm retirement benefits.

At issue is a proposal made by Reno Assemblyman Randy Kirner who would like to see new workers placed into a hybrid 401k plan. He also claims PERS’ unfunded liability is worse now than 15 years ago; however, PERS Director Tina Leiss told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee that many of Kirner’s claims are incorrect.

Lawmakers in Carson City have also been tinkering with revising eligibility ages for receiving benefits and reducing the annual percentage employees credit toward their retirement.