Louisiana's State Treasurer John Schroder talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about a bill introduced by Senator Barrow Peacock that would change the retirement system for state employees, a proposal that is opposed by Governor John Bel Edwards and state employee unions, but favored by Schroder, in addition to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

Schroder says that "absolutely it's a good idea. This is one of those things that would structurally fix some things long-term." And regarding state employee concerns, he adds, "It doesn't affect a single employee in the state retirement system currently."

The Treasurer points out that the current Louisiana pension liability is $19 billion, which ranks the state 12th in the country in unfunded pension costs. "But...I get it," he says. "The unions are opposed to it. That's the Governor's constituency and that's why he doesn't support it."

More From News Radio 710 KEEL