338                               JOINT RESOLUTIONS

System and State Police Retirement System undertake an edu-
cational campaign to acquaint members with the workings of the
systems and that members receiving salary scale increases be
notified of their option to increase their contributions to the
system and thereby increase retirement income.

WHEREAS, In accordance with the terms of Joint Resolution 10
of the 1957 General Assembly the Special Committee on Taxation
and Fiscal Matters of the Legislative Council has undertaken a
general review of the operations of the State Teachers' Retirement
System, State Employees' Retirement System and State Police Re-
tirement System; and

WHEREAS, The Committee's report makes the following observa-
tions resulting from the inadequacy of employee understanding of
the retirement system:

"In its sessions with personnel officials of the State and with
representatives of employee groups, the Committee has been im-
pressed by the general opinion that many members do not know,
understand or appreciate the operations of the Retirement Systems
and the benefits and options available to them. If this condition
exists, it means that the State is not getting full value from its large
investment in retirement. It has also been stated that many em-
ployees appear not to understand fully the various optional benefits
available to them and in the opinion of the Retirement System ad-
ministrators and personnel officers there have been instances in
which it appeared to such officials that employees were not exer-
cising the options available to them in the manner best calculated
to serve their own interests.

"It is recommended that there be a positive and aggressive edu-
cational campaign to acquaint members with the working of the
System. In a previous report this Committee recommended that
responsibility for agency personnel matters be centralized in a
single official in the various departments. Such personnel officials
should take appropriate action in their agencies to disseminate
useful and accurate information concerning the retirement systems
and to advise with individual employees in connection with their
retirement problems. Particular attention should be devoted to
assisting prospective retirants in understanding the pros and cons
of the various options and alternative benefits available to them.
Care must be exercised, however, that the personnel officers not
attempt precise calculations of prospective benefits which should
be left to the office of the retirement system. The educational and
informational program should be a continuing responsibility of
the retirement system carried out in close cooperation with the
Commissioner of Personnel, Superintendent of Schools, Superin-
tendent of Police and other departmental officials.

"It is further recommended that the Retirement Systems prepare
and distribute an easy-to-read pamphlet outlining the benefits and
advantages of the Retirement Systems and how they operate. It
is essential for both the State and members that a clearer under-
standing of the workings of the System be obtained.

"There should be clearly set forth in such literature the three
major elements of retirement pay: The annuity, the pension and the
Social Security benefits. Members who are familiar with the way