Search the News Archive

Capitol Hill Meeting Regarding Proposed IRS Oversight of Public Plans

Excerpt: On Friday, September 19, NCPERS and other public plan stakeholders joined Congressman Earl Pomeroy, Chairman Charles Rangel (by teleconference), and Democratic and Republican staff of the Ways & Means Committee, as well as representatives from the IRS and Treasury, to discuss issues related to IRS proposed oversight of public pension plans.... At the meeting, Congressman Earl Pomeroy asked representatives of IRS and Treasury whether they could be counted on to work in a cooperative and collaborative fashion, but those representatives refused to commit to do so.The public plan community, for its part, proposed a plan with a two-week timeframe help the IRS develop its survey of public plans.

Insurers Fight to Block Bills to Expand Coverage Mandates in California

Excerpt: Earlier this week, the Assembly Health Committee approved six bills that would add services health plans are required to cover in the face of stiff opposition from health insurers, Capitol Weekly reports. Each of the measures was approved on a nearly party-line vote, with most Republican lawmakers voting against the bills.

California State Government Ponders Money Contribution Obligation to Public Employees' Retirement System

Excerpt: The dramatic decline in Cal-PERS' value has had no impact on members' benefits which, fund officials emphasize, are protected by law. CalPERS provides about $11 billion annually in pension benefits, a figure that doesn't include health care. But the state of California and some 100 local governments are obligated to protect those pensions, and if CalPERS cannot do it because of its dwindling assets, then the state and other governments are obligated to step in.

Rosy Projections of Pensions' Investment Earnings?

Excerpt: Ed Mendel of Capitol Weekly writes that public pension funds' rosy forecasts pose problems[.]

California Pension Commission Stumped by Dispute Over 'Spiked' Benefits

Excerpt: A commission created to suggest changes to the state's pension system was deeply divided over how to solve the issue of 'pension spiking.' In fact, the commission could not even agree whether pension spiking exists, or if it is a problem, let alone what the solution should be.

Congress Could Soon Allow Multiemployer Pension Plans to Cut Benefits for Current Retirees

"In recent weeks, negotiations over the proposal have heated up on Capitol Hill. Still, some key elements are unresolved, including a way to satisfy objections from United Parcel Service, which withdrew from one of the most distressed plans in 2007 but would be on the hook to make up for any pension cuts affecting its retirees. If those details can be ironed out, congressional aides said an agreement is possible before the current session of Congress ends this month."

Implementing Health Reform: Political and Legal Battles, Data Security, and More

"The week of September 16, 2013, has been quiet on the [ACA] regulatory front. Most of the noise has emanated from Capitol Hill, where the House of Representatives seems poised to enact legislation that would 'defund Obamacare' as part of a continuing budget resolution. Although this legislation has no chance of being enacted by the Senate and would be vetoed by the President in any event, it is interesting to speculate on what it would mean if the ACA were 'defunded.'"

Democrats Urge High Court to Uphold State Workers' Right to Sue Over Medical Leave

"The high court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case brought by a former Maryland state court worker who said he was fired in 2007 after taking 10 days off to treat hypertension and diabetes. The law requires certain employers to allow workers to take up to 12 unpaid weeks off per year to deal for qualified medical and family issues."

Obama's New Term: 'Health Insurance Reform'

Excerpt: If you haven't been paying attention, you might have missed it. But with the substitution of one word, President Barack Obama was able to redirect his health care message from uninsured Americans to those who already have insurance. In his Wednesday night address, Obama talked about 'health insurance reform' a noticeable shift from the 'health care reform' he had been talking up until late last week.

Opponents of Current Administration's FMLA Changes Seek Redress

Excerpt: The Bush administration is making the most of its waning weeks by issuing regulations that will take effect just before President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in. Among the highest in profile are changes to a major employee leave law that has not been modified since it was enacted in 1993. In mid-November, the Department of Labor circulated rules that it said would clarify rights and obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act. They take effect January 16, which should prevent Congress from halting them. But Capitol Hill critics want to change them nonetheless.