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Support Senator John Watkins’ SB 232 which increases the VRS retirement age to that of Social Security

posted Feb 13, 2010, 6:27 PM by Unknown user   [ updated Feb 24, 2010, 1:29 PM by Arthur Purves ]

Virginia State Senator Howell
SenHowell@aol.com

Ms. Janet Howell

I write urging you to support Senator John Watkins’ Virginia Senate Bill 232 (SB232)  which increases the VRS retirement age to that of Social Security. 

The VRS payment is what is really hurting Fairfax County Public Schools. As of 25 January 2010 the biggest reason for cuts in FCPS FY2011 budget is because of an increase in payments for retirement plans in the amount of $71 million.  By keeping the budget flat from FY2010 to FY 2011 means that $71 million in programs and positions have to be cut for FY2011 to make those other increased payments.


Note that in 2009 spending per pupil was $12,839. In 2011 it's projected to be $12,869. Inflation hasn't gone up that much so if spending per pupil is the same as 2009 why can't we have the same level of school services as 2009? The answer always points back primarily to the FCPS employee retirement plans. It is gobbling up money from a fixed budget.

Passing this would be a small step in the right direction.  Please respond and let me know if you support this bill or oppose it.

Best Regards,

Alexander Romero
Board Member At-large
Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance

"Employee benefits for FY 2011 total $606.5 million, an increase of $97.8 million, or 19.2 percent, over the FY 2010 estimate."

- From Page 62 of the the FCPS "FY2011 Proposed Budget."

Note here that the total expenditures for FCPS for FY2011 will go down by -0.74% vs 2010 yet FCPS plans to cut programs more drastically than -0.74% because of the growing burden of the mandatory retirement contributions.


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