(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

Because there is no cost of living adjustment in their pensions, West Virginia state employees who retired in the year 2000 with a $1,500-a-month pension today would need $2,585.34 monthly to have the same purchasing power! This is an increase of $1,085.34 monthly over 23 years! Between 2000 and today, the average inflation rate of 2.40% per year produced a cumulative price increase of 72.36%, severely depleting the ability of retired state employees to make ends meet!

With West Virginia’s current budget surpluses, now is the time to reward state employees and retirees with an annual cost of living adjustment in their pensions. Currently, there are approximately 86,000 active and retired members under West Virginia’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

Along with friends and relatives, this number constitutes a substantial voting block. I would strongly encourage all members, retirees of PERS, employees unions and associations, their friends and families to contact their legislators for this purpose. Our elected representatives, who want to continue their service or have other political aspirations, should carefully consider this well-justified request for an annual cost of living adjustment in the Public Employees Retirement System.

John D. Gainer

Parkersburg