OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Hundreds of firefighters from across the state are roaming the halls of the state Capitol in support of a pair of bills to overhaul their pension system.
More than 200 firefighters rallied on the Capitol's south steps Monday in support of bills that would make major changes to the retirement system, including an increase in the number of years before a firefighter is eligible for retirement from the current 20 years to 22 years for those hired after Nov. 1.
The House sponsor, Oklahoma City Republican Rep. Randy McDaniel, says the proposal will shore up the system and reduce its unfunded liability during the next several years.
Other changes are increasing the amount that firefighters, cities and the state contribute to the pension system.