All Pawtucket All The Time

Lisa Baldelli Hunt

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Lisa Baldelli Hunt has asked General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo to visit Woonsocket for a public question-and-answer session about the recently passed public pension reforms.

The representative said she believes such a forum would be helpful to the many public-sector employees in the area so they will understand what it means for them.

“This is a very complicated piece of legislation, and there are a lot of myths out there about it. There’s probably no one in the state who understands this legislation inside and out better than the treasurer herself, and I think people would jump at the chance to get the facts straight from her,” said Representative Baldelli Hunt (D-Dist. 49, Woonsocket). “There may be employees who think this means they should retire soon, when in fact they would have the ability to continue working without any affect on their retirement. This Q & A will help them get the facts they need to make informed decisions.”

The representative said she asked the treasurer’s staff about such a meeting the day the General Assembly voted to approve the bill, Nov. 17. Although no date has yet been set, the treasurer’s office has been receptive to the idea of the forum, and possibly others in other parts of the state.

“I’m looking forward to working with Treasurer Raimondo and her office to make this idea a reality,” said Representative Baldelli Hunt.

In the meantime, those searching for more information about the pension reform bill may visit the state’s pension reform Web site, http://www.pensionreformri.com/. Those in need of personal information about their own retirement may contact the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island at (401) 462-7600.