Friends,

As a former public school teacher and public employee, my own family’s retirement savings are in the IPERS system. Let me be clear:  I will never put IPERS’ fiscal security at risk, and I will always protect the pensions of Iowa employees.

My top priority is to ensure that the IPERS fund is safe and sound for the more than 250,000 members and beneficiaries, including teachers, law enforcement officers, and public employees who work hard every day all across this state.

I believe that IPERS is a solemn promise to the employees, retirees, and families who are counting on it; and as Governor, I will always protect that commitment by ensuring that IPERS is responsibly funded and managed.

I will always work cooperatively with public employees, the IPERS investment board, the benefits advisory committee, retirees, the Legislature, and other stakeholders when considering the IPERS fund.   I do not, and will not, support any measures that do not uphold the strict fiduciary investment guidelines the IPERS board maintains.  The fund's goal is to produce the best return on investments possible in order to strengthen Iowans’ retirement, and I believe it should stay that way, period.

With Iowa facing a critical choice this year, it is important that you know who’s on your side when it comes to the strength of the public pension system, and who is trying to score political points through misleading attacks.

Sincerely,

Chet Culver

Get the facts:

• “Why is Jim Nussle Attacking Chet Culver on IPERS?” (Watch the video to learn the truth)
  
  
• Governor Vilsack and State Treasurer Fitzgerald on IPERS Investments
  
  
• Read the statement from Chet Culver