Lawmakers are getting flooded with calls and messages about bill that would change PERS Board [Video]

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – All eyes are on the legislature about whether they’ll make any changes to the state’s public employees’ retirement system known as PERS. We told you last week about the bill that would change the Board from mostly elected to mostly appointed. Many of you are reacting.

“I will tell all the people that you’re being heard,” said Sen. Tyler McCaughn.

Sen. Chris Johnson is planning a hearing on House Bill 1590 while also trying to calm fears.

“Nothing that we’re going to do is going to change the benefits for current or future retirees under any current plan,” explained Johnson.

Committee members seem split on their thoughts about moving to a mostly appointed board.

“Unfortunately, the term political appointee has been polarized,” added Johnson. “You could say the same about K-12 education. But it’s good for K-12 education to have appointees, and it can be good …