Bryan K Pedersen

The lawmaker supports the bill because it establishes a clear process and oversight mechanism, ensuring that any cost-of-living adjustments maintain actuarial soundness at 100% funding.

The lawmaker opposes the university funding amendment because it adds significant costs when general funds are limited, suggesting the university should adjust within its existing block grant instead.

The lawmaker opposes the amendment as bad policy at this time, noting that the budget already includes significant spending increases and sufficient safety margins in existing accounts to handle potential revenue shortfalls.

The lawmaker explains that increasing the state match for deferred compensation incentivizes current employees to self-fund their own cost-of-living adjustments, which mitigates the risk of reducing the system's actuarial funded ratio.

The lawmaker supports the bill as an important change affecting 35,000 employees and addresses a potential liability that must be corrected in the future.

The lawmaker supports the bill because it establishes a self-funded commission that will dissolve if not financially sustainable, preventing general funding burdens. He also argues it is necessary to regulate mixed martial arts for safety and allow fighters in this state to earn professional ratings.