WASHINGTON, DC-Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member John Lewis (D-GA), delivered the following statement today at a Subcommittee hearing on the Transparency of State and Local Pension Plans:
Thank you, Chairman Boustany, for holding this hearing. Last month, this Subcommittee held a hearing to attack an organization that represents millions of seniors. At that hearing, I asked the Chairman, "Who is next?" “Who else is on your list?" Now, I have an answer.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week 2011. Today, Republicans have set their sights on the teachers who educate our children, police officers who keep our communities safe, and first responders in moments of crisis. They paint teachers, firefighters, librarians, and nurses as villains in their quest to widen the gap between the rich and the poor. Our neighbors are not the villains. They are not the cause of the current economic situation. They are simply hard-working Americans trying to retire with dignity and escape poverty as they age.
The Republicans have made many arguments to support today’s attack.
The Republicans blame pension plans for state budget shortfalls. This is not true. States spend less than four percent (4%) of their budgets on pension contributions.
The Republicans claim that pension benefits are too high. This is not true. The average state pension benefit is modest, about $20,000/year.
The Republicans claim a Federal bailout may be needed. This is not true. The losses in the plans are related to the market and the recent recession.
The Republicans claim that their solution would create “transparency." It would not. It would create confusion and lead to unnecessary cuts in vital state services.
Given the facts, I ask myself, “why are we here today?" We both know that there is no immediate need for the Federal government to take action. This Committee has been looking at this issue since the 1970’s.
I also am mindful that, under the Committee Rules of this Congress, this Subcommittee’s jurisdiction is limited to “oversight" of existing law. Our jurisdiction does not extend to select revenue measures. The Subcommittee does not report out legislation. Therefore, any consideration of H.R. 567 would need to take place elsewhere under the regular order of the Committee.
Based on all this, I believe today’s hearing is simply a distraction from the Republican’s failure to create jobs. While the American people continue to wait for jobs, the Republicans are playing a dangerous game with the welfare of women, seniors, and now teachers. It is time for the American people to take notice, stand up, and speak out. Today, I stand for America’s middle class and state and local workers across the nation. I thank the teachers for all they do.
Thank you.
