Nevada Police Union Calls for Action as PERS Contributions Set to Rise

CARSON CITY, NV - An open letter has been issued to Nevada legislators, spotlighting significant concerns over the impending increase in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) contribution rates, which is poised to impact Nevada State Police officers starting July 1, 2025.

The letter warns that the planned hike in contribution rates will severely affect the financial well-being of police officers, potentially hampering recruitment and retention within the force. Under the new rates, contributions for state police under the Employer-Pay plan will escalate from 50.00% to 58.75%, while those under the Employee/Employer plan will see an increase from 25.75% to 30.00%. This adjustment would make Nevada's rates among the highest in the nation for police officers.

The increase, equating to an additional 8.75% of contributions, comes at a time when inflation is hovering between 2-3%, significantly reducing the take-home pay for officers. This financial strain is expected to hit new recruits the hardest, with nearly a third of their earnings potentially being allocated to PERS.

Dan Gordon, President of the Nevada Police Union, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Our law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep our state safe. It's imperative that our legislators take immediate action to ensure that the retirement system does not become a financial burden on these dedicated public servants. We expect proactive involvement and innovative solutions from our lawmakers to address this urgent issue."

The Nevada Police Union is urging lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of law enforcement officers in their legislative decisions, ensuring that the integrity and functionality of public safety services are not compromised by these financial burdens.