Dear editor:
For more than 17 years, Wyoming state retirees have gone without a single increase to their retirement. In that time, the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and especially healthcare has steadily climbed.
For some retirees, this is no longer an abstract policy discussion. It is personal.
It is choosing between filling a prescription or turning up the heat in winter. It is stretching groceries to make it through the month. It is quietly worrying about rising property taxes or insurance premiums while living on the same monthly check that they received in 2008.
These are the men and women who taught our children, maintained our highways, cared for vulnerable citizens, and protected our communities.
They upheld their commitment to public service. They contributed to the Wyoming Retirement System throughout their careers, helping build the strong foundation the system enjoys today.
Legislators are exploring options this session, including a potential budget amendment that would provide a small one-time payment.
This is about honoring commitments and recognizing that inflation has quietly eroded the purchasing power of those who served Wyoming faithfully.
Wyoming keeps its word. Our retirees kept theirs. After 17 years without an increase, now is the time to support the men and women who worked so hard to make our state strong.
Respectfully,
Ron Sniffin
Wyoming Coalition for a Healthy Retirement
Cheyenne, WY
