A press Release by Representative Linda Dean Campbell on the twin issues of State assimilation of some local pension systems, as well as local participation in the GIC (State Health Insurance)

Methuen to Pass on Commonwealth Health Care this October – but will take advantage of state management of pension funds.

According to Representative Linda Dean Campbell the City of Methuen has many options regarding future health care under the legislation passed last week by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and this week by the Senate. “This legislation would allow city and town employees and teachers to receive the same health coverage as state employees under the State Group Insurance Commission Plan.

Under this legislation, commented Campbell, Methuen will have the option of enrolling in the plan starting October 1st 2007. Once a community signs on however, they are obligated to stay with the state plan for a minimum of three years. “Cost increases are significantly lower under the state plan. For example health care coverage at the local level has skyrocketed. In Methuen the percentage increase between FY01 and FY06 is approximately 90%. The state increase during the same period was approximately 48%.” Campbell and Methuen Mayor Bill Manzi agree that Methuen will need to evaluate the plan to determine whether October entry makes fiscal sense for Methuen.. Health Care under the state’s plan is expected to rise 5% during FY09 – this is substantially lower than expected for local plans. “ I will be working very closely with Methuen’s leaders on this particular issue for the indefinite future – this is our budget buster – we must reduce health costs or face layoffs or raise taxes – this is a way the state can help.

Methuen will also be directly affected by legislation passed yesterday by the house pertaining to pension funds currently managed at the local level. Under this legislation, cities and towns performing 2% below the state’s Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund (PIRT), and whose obligations outweigh assets by over 35% will be required to join the state’s pension fund… According to Campbell, “Methuen falls into both categories by a narrow margin. Actually, Methuen’s retirement board has performed exceptionally well.” Tom Kelly, Methuen’s city auditor concurs, “Like most communities in the Commonwealth, , other areas of municipal spending have impacted retirement funds, for example early retirements ”. In the last analysis, explains Campbell, it does not matter – “Methuen will have the benefit of a historically excellent performing fund with over 47 billion in assets managed by a staff of 23 full time professionals.” This legislation will indirectly help with property tax relief and will help to ensure that there will be sufficient funds to fund all future local public employee retirees.