PERAC Memo #2 - 2008: COLA Notice

COLA Notice

Summary

This memo announces that the Social Security COLA for 2007 is 2.3%, which sets the base COLA rate boards may grant under G.L. c. 32, §103(c) effective July 1, 2007; boards may vote to increase this up to 3% under §103(i) with proper notice to their legislative body. Each retirement board must notify PERAC of its COLA decision (whether to grant, and at what rate) within 30 days of that vote.

Full Text

MEMORANDUM #2, 2008 M E M O R A N D U M TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: COLA Notice DATE: January 7, 2008 The Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) is providing this notice regarding the COLA Report required by Chapter 17, Section 8(c) of the Acts of 1997. Under the statute, PERAC reports to the General Court the computation of the increase in the United States Consumer Price Index in the previous year by the Commissioner of Social Security. Any such increase is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index is used annually to adjust benefits paid to Social Security retirees and beneficiaries. The Social Security Administration has announced that the latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is 2.3%. The COLA which any such system may grant, pursuant to Chapter 32, Section 103(c) and effective July 1, 2007 will thus be 2.3%. Pursuant to Section 103(i), a Retirement Board, with proper notice to the legislative body, may elect to increase this percentage up to 3%, at a duly called meeting. Each Retirement Board making a decision whether or not to grant a COLA must notify the Commission of that decision within 30 days.