NEPBA Statement on Removal Section 104

The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) welcomes the decision by the House Committee on Economic Development to remove Section 104 from its version of An Act Relative to Massachusetts Winning Global Investment, Talent, and Innovation (the Mass Wins Act).

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Section 104 would have permitted retirement system assets to be invested according to priorities established by the Commonwealth, raising legitimate concerns among public employees and retirees about the long-standing fiduciary principles that protect their retirement security.

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NEPBA has consistently maintained that pension assets belong to the hardworking public servants who earned them, not the Commonwealth. Police officers, correctional officers, dispatchers, and countless other public employees contribute to these retirement systems over decades of service with the expectation that their retirement funds will be managed solely in the best interests of plan participants and beneficiaries.

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We appreciate that lawmakers listened to the concerns raised by labor organizations, retirement advocates, and public employees across the Commonwealth. Preserving the integrity and independence of the pension system is essential to maintaining the confidence of the men and women who dedicate their careers to public service.While this development is encouraging, NEPBA will continue to monitor the legislation as it moves through the legislative process. We remain committed to ensuring that Massachusetts public employee retirement assets are protected from proposals that could compromise their fiduciary purpose or expose them to unnecessary political influence.

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We also want to thank our members, retirees, and supporters who contacted their legislators and made their voices heard. Your advocacy matters, and this outcome demonstrates the importance of remaining engaged on issues that directly affect the retirement security of public employees.

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NEPBA will continue to stand vigilant in defense of the retirement benefits our members have earned through a lifetime of service.