TalkoftheTown: New Mexico legislators must prioritize PERA retirees amid rising costs

Legislators fail to care about retirees

When will legislators in New Mexico stop turning a cold shoulder to retirees under the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)?

Every state, county and city employee has received raises over the past several years trying to keep up with inflation. Even elected officials have voted themselves hefty pay raises. And what have PERA retirees gotten? For the past two years we’ve received a measly 0.5% benefit increase annually.

I’m better off than many PERA retirees, but that increase amounts to enough for a couple of Happy Meals at McDonald’s and gas to drive around the block a couple of times. The two years prior to that we received a non-compounding increase paid in the form of a single check amounting to 2% of our annual pension. The Legislature controls the purse strings. Along with the governor, our pensions are in their hands.

PERA retirees used to receive increases of 3% per year, which was reduced to 2%. Now with the inflation we’re all faced with, PERA retirees’ standard of living isn’t remaining still, it’s going backwards. We worked for pay far below private-sector wages, counting on the retirement with promised annual increases that was dangled like a carrot in front of us.

If PERA has such incompetent staff investing our money, they need to be fired. Legislators count on our votes; they should go back to earning those votes and treating us fairly.

ROBERT ROHLFS

Albuquerque

Reality of Social Security raises

Social Security gave me a cola, which is supposed to stand for the cost-of-living adjustment, what a farce. They take a lot that they’ve given to us. Not just me, but many seniors I know don’t look forward to Social Security’s so-called yearly raises.

My rent increases while I only get a $24 raise for the year of 2025. A Social Security Electronic Benefits Transfer caseworker will take $53 away from me during the holidays in December. Quite frankly, if it was a real raise, it would be in EBT benefits.

Social Security makes a big deal about how they’re giving us a significant raise, yet they don’t mention it being taken back come the end of the year.

SHEREE CLARKE

Albuquerque

Take the leap to a veggie resolution

New Year’s resolution anyone? How about one with multiple benefits for our health, our planet and the animals?

Eating more veggies, fruits, legumes, grains and nuts helps us stay healthier, reduce global warming and stop animal suffering. It requires no exertion or deprivation. And it saves money, too.

The abundant nutrients and vitamins in plant foods keep us in top health, while their fiber keeps us regular. Concerned about ultra-processed foods? Then you certainly don’t want your food processed through an animal’s digestive tract.

Best of all, plant-based eating is supported by your local supermarket, which offers a rich variety of plant meats, cheeses and ice creams in their frozen food section. Same goes for your favorite family restaurant and nearly every fast-food franchise.

Bon appétit.

MICHAEL GRAY

Albuquerque