Why state employees deserve real pensions

In his guest column, Sen. Tom Davis asked, “Who’s looking out for taxpayers?” (“Last year we bailed out the SC pension system. When do we reform it?”) My answer: employees in state and local government as well as in school districts. We provide services that are essential to quality of life, and even to life itself.

I remember news stories about agencies such as the Corrections Department that can’t find enough employees. We provide years of dedicated service at salaries lower than we could earn in the private sector, making it harder for us to save for retirement. Retirement benefits are an important factor in encouraging experienced employees to continue serving. I

f employees are asked to pay more toward retirement, it would be good to make sure that their salaries keep up with inflation. Step increases for teachers should not count as pay raises. I always thought they were there because the experienced teacher provides more expert service.

If adjustments are needed, perhaps the years of service required for full retirement could be increased, or other ways to make the system solvent could be found. Realistic projections of the income from the system’s investments are important. Changing to a defined-benefit plan will reduce the quality of services provided by state and local government.

The State publishes a cross section of the letters we receive from South Carolinians in order to provide a forum for our community and also to allow our community to get a good look at itself, for good or bad. The letters represent the views of the letter writers, not necessarily of The State.