Statements About SB 1285, SB 1286 and HB 3033

I am allowing the following bills related to local retirement systems to become law without my signature: House Bill No. 3033, Senate Bill No. 1285 and Senate Bill No. 1286.

Each of these bills changes provisions of local retirement systems that receive no state support. Municipalities have the ability to make changes under laws that have already been passed, so forcing cities to come to the legislature to change their locally-funded retirement systems is an unnecessary exercise.

Following the 78th and 80th Legislatures, I allowed local pension bills to become law with the message, “The Texas Legislature should get out of the business of approving local retirement benefits for cities.” I am disappointed that the legislature continues to mandate what local pension benefits must be. I strongly recommend that municipalities work with the legislature to repeal the mandate that certain cities must come to the legislature to change their pension systems.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 17th day of June, 2011.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

ATTESTED BY:
ESPERANZA "HOPE" ANDRADE
Secretary of State