Arizona voters to decide on pensions for first responders in May election
Apr 19, 2016, 5:30 AM
A police officer puts up some tape at the scene of a house fire and fatal shooting Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
PHOENIX — When Arizona voters go to the polls for a special election on May 17, one of the issues they will be deciding deals with pension funds for first responders, such as police officers and fire personnel.
The legislation, Proposition 124, focuses on retirement benefit changes for public safety employees, said Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan.
“It would allow the state to adjust retirement benefits by replacing the current structure with a cost of living adjustment that wouldn’t exceed 2 percent a year,” she said.
Supporters, including Phoenix Councilman Daniel Valenzuela, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association Treasurer Will Buividas and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, argue the proposition will reduce the state’s pension costs by about $1.5 billion over the next 3 decades, allowing for the hiring of more police and firefighters.
Voters will also decide on Proposition 123 in the May special election. If passed, it would use money from the State Land Trust to increase education funding.
After a shortage of polling places due to lack of funds caused nationwide outrage in the Arizona presidential preference election, state officials have vowed to double the number of locations open in the May election.
Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell’s office said the county would open 116 locations for the May 17 vote. It will be finalized after the county board of supervisors puts it to a vote on April 20.
