OLYMPIA — Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg, was recently elected as chair of the Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP).

The SCPP is tasked to study issues surrounding policies that affect the state’s public employee retirement systems. The committee has the ability to make recommendations to the Legislature and request changes or amendments to existing laws.

The committee is comprised of: four Senate members appointed by the president of the Senate, four members of the House appointed by the speaker of the House, four representatives of active members appointed by the governor, two representatives of retired members appointed by the governor, four employer representatives appointed by the governor and the director of the Department of Retirement Systems and the Office of Financial Management.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee I am fully aware of the importance pensions play in our budget process and future financial obligations,” Manweller said. “I am elated I have been chosen to chair this committee. I have been a member of the committee since I was elected to the Legislature.”

Manweller knows the issues surrounding pensions. The representative previously sponsored House Bill 2202, which addressed the eligibility of emergency medical technicians for membership in the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters Retirement Plan 2 (LEOFF Plan 2). The bill narrows the definition of employees who are eligible for the plan to EMTs. If the bill had not been passed several public hospital districts could have faced large financial setbacks.

“We have an essential responsibility to ensure our pension systems are continually financially stable and secure and make any necessary recommendations to the Legislature to protect and keep our pension system strong,” Manweller said.

The SCPP meets regularly before and after the legislative session and typically does not meet during the session, but a meeting can be scheduled if the committee determines they need to meet.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.