Minnesota House Bill HF1468

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

Minnesota State Retirement System; Public Employees Retirement Association; Teachers Retirement Association; St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association; actuarial assumption for investment rate of return lowered to seven percent.

Impact

The legislative discussions surrounding HF 1468 indicate a recognition of the need for updated and prudent financial management within state retirement systems. By lowering the expected investment returns, the bill aims to create a more viable financial footing for these plans. This move could impact the financial strategies used by the respective retirement associations, as their ability to make aggressive investments may be curtailed, hence prioritizing stability over higher returns in uncertain economic climates.

Summary

House File 1468 proposes to lower the actuarial assumption for the investment rate of return for various retirement plans within Minnesota, including the Minnesota State Retirement System, the Public Employees Retirement Association, and the Teachers Retirement Association. The bill seeks to adjust this assumption from 7.5% to 7%, aligning with more conservative fiscal practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of these pension funds. This measure is poised to have significant implications for state retirement funds and their beneficiaries, ensuring that the funds can meet their future liabilities without risking insolvency.

Contention

Nevertheless, the bill has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Opponents argue that reducing the investment return assumption could lead to higher contribution rates from employees and employers alike, placing additional financial burdens on public employees and local governments. Supporters, however, maintain that this is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the pension systems, especially in light of fluctuating market conditions and the need for more responsible fiscal planning.