Lawmakers Preparing to Hit OPEB Problem

The Legislature could launch proposals this week that aim to address a a massive funding shortfall involving non-pension retiree benefits, The Associated Press reports.

"Senate and House leaders met late last week to discuss an array of 17 possible options for tackling the estimated $7.8 billion liability from other post-employment benefit or OPEB costs," the article said. "Six of them would likely require legislation, and the ongoing regular session ends March 13."

AP notes that several of the suggestions could help the state avoid a threatened lawsuit from most of the state's 55 county school boards.