Dear LEOFF I Members and Beneficiaries,

It's an all too familiar story... the state legislature is trying to take a short-term, easy-out solution to long-term budget problems. Lawmakers can't balance their own budgets, so they're looking at all available funds - like the LEOFF I pension fund.

It doesn't matter that the financial markets have reduced the LEOFF I surplus to less than 17 percent of its value at the beginning of this year. Lawmakers are still eyeing the entire assets of the LEOFF I Trust Fund. The October 3, 2001 Olympian reports, "Rep. Kathy Lambert, R-Redmond, who is co-chairwoman of the pension committee, said... using the (reduced) surplus is not off the negotiating table."

Balancing the state budget on the backs of public safety workers' pensions is not leadership. It's a flagrant violation of the trust you put in the government you worked for.

The LEOFF I Coalition was formed to protect the integrity of your pension. To that end, the Coalition is working statewide on your behalf to educate LEOFF I members and persuade lawmakers to protect you.

I urge you to contact your legislators and tell them, in the strongest possible terms, to leave your money alone. Call all the other LEOFF I members you know and urge them to make noise, too. I also ask you to consider supporting the LEOFF I Coalition efforts on your behalf by volunteering time or sending a contribution.

You have spent your working life placing yourself in harm's way. You have served the public faithfully and deserve to be heard.

Thank you,

Mark Curtis, Chairman
LEOFF I Coalition