SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah state employees and retirees are speaking out against legislative proposals that would restructure the state's retirement system.
A Saturday rally on Capitol Hill railed against cuts in pension benefits for future state employees and a proposed removal of a 1.5 percent 401(k) match for state and school workers.
Organizers say the proposed changes stifle recruitment and retention efforts.
Under bills proposed by Republican Sen. Dan Liljenquist those hired after July 1, 2011 wouldn't be eligible for the current state pension plan. The Bountiful lawmaker wants new employees put into a plan with reduced benefits.
The state retirement system has taken a beating during the recession. Current estimates indicate the pension fund is down by as much as 30 percent.
Comments