Letter: Easy solution bad for taxpayers, retirees

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006 | 7:33 a.m.

The unfunded liability issue regarding state worker health insurance upon retirement is already getting a lot of attention and will likely be a big issue when the Legislature meets in 2007.

The easiest solution to the unfunded liability issue facing Nevada is to take a drastic measure. The governor has proposed such a drastic measure, which is to no longer offer, to any newly hired state employee, health insurance at retirement age.

A vote in favor of the governor's proposal during 2007 is an easy solution for a legislator. But it becomes a problem for retirees and taxpayers.

It means these retirees, not able to afford insurance, will need more public assistance, such assistance being funded by - you got it - the taxpayers. But for legislators it's the easy solution instead of earning their inflated, self-voted raises and finding a solution that will keep Nevadans insured and a healthy environment for business.

It also creates a new problem for the hiring of new state employees. As a state employee, I do know that currently the average Nevada state worker is paid approximately 5 to 10 percent less than their counterparts in city and county government, as well as at least 10 percent less than the private business sector.

So what's the lure? Why be a state worker if the benefit package continues to be eroded? My vote is going to go to the candidates who elect to earn their raises by working to find a solution so that more Americans still have insurance during retirement and the unfunded liability issue is resolved.

Come on lawmakers, it's your job!

Annette Ballew, Carson City