The LEOFF 1 Coalition Is The Only Statewide Organization That Represents Retired LEOFF 1 Members Deputy Sheriffs, Police Officers, Fire Fighters & Beneficiaries

Support the LEOFF 1 Pension Defense Fund

The LEOFF 1 Coalition is actively working to protect the integrity of the LEOFF Plan 1 pension trust, surplus funds, and member benefits. Legal and advocacy efforts require resources, and member support is critical.

We encourage members to consider making a contribution to the LEOFF 1 Pension Defense Fund to help protect the benefits earned by LEOFF 1 retirees and beneficiaries.

If you have questions about your membership status or would like to make an electronic donation, please call 360-464-1428 or email adriane@leoff1coalition.org

You can also Donate through Square. Click Here

The LEOFF 1 Coalition, the Retired Seattle Police Officers Association, and the Retired Firefighters of Washingtonhave jointly sent a strong letter to Washington State Senators regarding E2SHB 2034 and the protection of the LEOFF Plan 1 pension trust.

Please take a moment to review the PDF letter (click link below) that was sent to Senators. We respectfully ask that you share this information with your members and encourage them to stay informed and engaged on this important issue.

Thank you for your continued support in protecting the integrity of the LEOFF Plan 1 laws, pension trust, surplus funds, and medical benefits.

CLICK HERE To read the letter

Watch The Senate Floor Session Addressing

The Senate convenes for a floor session at the state Capitol to debate HB 2034Concerning termination and restatement of plan 1 of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' (LEOFF) retirement system.

Click Here for More Information

Former King County Sheriff  Leads Class Action Lawsuit Blocking lawmakers from grabbing LEOFF Plan 1 Pensions  Click Here

Advocates protest Washington state bill targeting pension plan funds  Click Here

Whose Pension Will Be Raided Next?Click Here

Pension advocates protest WA bill targeting LEOFF 1 plan fundsClick Here

Lawmakers sound alarm as Democrats advance $4 Billion pension transfer from first responders’ fundClick Here

Washington House bill raids billions from pension plan while lawmakers also pass record tax hikesClick Here

LEOFF 1 Coalition and Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association Retain Steve W. Berman to Protect LEOFF Plan 1 Pension Law

Click Here

Watch the Public Hearing addressing E2SHB 2034  Click Here

House and Senate Democrats released their supplemental budget proposals on Sunday, offering two plans to fill a multi-billion-dollar deficit while ultimately increasing total spending.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a $77.9 billion operating budget last spring for the 2025-27 biennium, with $150.4 billion in spending across all budgeted funds. Despite passing the largest tax increase in state history, Olympia faces another gap that Ferguson proposed filling with a $79 billion operating budget.​

Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, released his $79.9 billion operating budget proposal on Sunday, which totals $156.1 billion after all budgeted funds. He called it maintenance-level spending, along with Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, who proposed a $80.1 billion budget, with $157.1 billion across every fund. – (The Center Square)

Lawmakers Introducing Legislation Targeting LEOFF 1 Pension Surplus

Click HERE To read the article.

LEOFF 1 Coalition Update

Many of you have asked why legislative information has not yet been posted to the LEOFF 1 Coalition website regarding the legislation affecting the LEOFF Plan 1 retirement pension fund.

The LEOFF 1 Coalition operates as a one-person office. I, Joyce Willms, am the sole staff member serving the Coalition, and I am responsible for all legislative, legal coordination, communications, and member support efforts.

Opposition to HB 2023
The LEOFF 1 Coalition members – retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, and beneficiaries – are opposed to HB 2023.

I have conducted extensive research, strengthened the legal argument language for our attorney, and provided detailed information to the Coalition Board, our attorney, and state legislators. Our attorney believes we have a strong legal case.

Click Here to read more!

WA House bill raids billions from pension plan while lawmakers also pass record tax hikes

By TJ Martinell | The Center Square  7 hrs ago 

(The Center Square) - The Washington State House has passed a bill that terminates the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System Plan 1, creates a new plan, and transfers $4.5 billion out of that plan.

The fiscal policy decision drew strong rebuke from House Republicans, while pension plan advocates warn of future implications for other state pension plans.

House Bill 2034 sponsored by House Appropriations Committee Chair Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, managed to reach the Rules Committee during the 2025 legislative session, but did not clear the chamber. Reintroduced this year, it was advanced out of Appropriations without a public hearing and passed the House in a 55-39 vote.

Click here to read full article

If You Want To Keep Receiving Updated Information, Make Sure You Pay Your Dues!

LEOFF 1 Coalition: Protecting Your Benefits
What Makes the LEOFF 1 Coalition Different?

The LEOFF 1 Coalition is the only statewide organization that exclusively represents retired LEOFF 1 members and their beneficiaries. Unlike other LEOFF organizations, which represent both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 members, the Coalition is dedicated solely to protecting the rights and benefits of LEOFF 1 retirees.

Our Mission

The Coalition is committed to safeguarding:
✅ The integrity of the LEOFF 1 law
✅ The LEOFF 1 Retirement Pension Plan 1, a 401(a) Trust Fund:
✅ The medical benefits promised to LEOFF 1 Members 

Who We Represent

Our membership includes retired:
👮 Deputy Sheriffs
🚓 Police Officers
🔥 Firefighters
👨‍👩‍👦 Their beneficiaries

Membership & Dues

The LEOFF 1 Coalition is a dues-paying organization made up of retired LEOFF 1 members and their beneficiaries.

💰 Annual Membership Dues: $60

By joining, you help protect the The LEOFF 1 Retirement Pension Plan 1, a 401(a) Trust Fund benefits you earned.

Join Today & Stay Protected!

Why Join

1. Rising Call Volume:

Many LEOFF 1 members, spouses, and families are reaching out for help regarding their medical benefits, disability boards, and the coverage of medical expenses.

They are often unaware of the benefits available to them, such as coverage for conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, blindness, and other medical expenses.

LEOFF 1 Medical Benefits:

Many members and their families are unaware of the coverage available under LEOFF 1 law, especially concerning medical expenses, care centers, and at-home care.

Disability Board Issues:

There are inquiries about why disability boards are not paying for operations or medical expenses, which is a concern for many.

Membership Decline:

The membership of LEOFF 1 is declining, largely due to members and their beneficiaries passing away. However, the number of spouses and families still seeking information continues to rise.

Support for Families After a Member's Passing:

You also provide guidance on the necessary steps to take after the passing of a member or their spouse.

Limited Services for Non-Coalition Members:

It seems you can only provide essential legislative information to non-coalition members, which may be a challenge for those seeking more detailed help.

Join the LEOFF1 Coalition Protect Your Retirement Plan and Medical Benefits

The Coalition is the only state wide organization that exclusively represents retired LEOFF1 Members and Beneficiaries.

Membership Forms

Click here for the PAYROLL DEDUCTION MEMBERSHIP form - PDF VERSION

Click here for the MEMBERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION form - PDF VERSION

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How To Register To Testify?

Use the Legislature’s Committee Sign-In program! You can use a web-enabled device to go to https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/how-to-testify-at-a-committee-meeting/ or use one of the sign-in kiosks located on the Capitol Campus. 

URGENT TAKE ACTION

Does a bill proposed in Olympia upset or inspire you? TAKE ACTION:
• TRACK BILLS: Using the state Legislature's bill page, you can search by bill number or do an advanced search using key terms. Scroll down and you'll also see the day's committee hearings and agendas.

TESTIFY: You can make your voice heard easier than ever by testifying in person, remotely, in writing or by simply signing in and stating whether you are pro or con.  Here is the legislature's step by step guide.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Watch The Public Hearing of Bills HB

2034 & SSB 5085

HB 2034: Concerning termination and restatement of plan 1 of the law enforcement officers and firefighters retirement system. 

SSB 5085: Concerning three of Washington states closed retirement plans.

Click Here to Watch

Join the LEOFF1 Coalition Protect Your Retirement Plan and Medical Benefits

The Coalition is the only state wide organization that exclusively represents retired LEOFF1 Members and Beneficiaries.

Membership Forms

Click here for the PAYROLL DEDUCTION MEMBERSHIP form - PDF VERSION

Click here for the MEMBERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION form - PDF VERSION

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How To Register To Testify?

Use the Legislature's Committee Sign-In program! You can use a web-enabled device to go to https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/how-to-testify-at-a-committee-meeting/ or use one of the sign-in kiosks located on the Capitol Campus. 

URGENT! Let Your Voice Be Heard!

March 13 Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2034&Year=2025&Initiative=fa

Sign up to testify: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi

HB 2034 - 2025-26
Concerning termination and restatement of plan 1 of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system.

Sponsors: Ormsby, Fitzgibbon, Gregerson, Macri

Senate Floor Debate on TVW.org

Click HERE to watch. Regarding SSB 5085, passed the Senate 28 ya and 21 no.

SSB 5314 Capital Gain Tax, passed the Senate

Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act Qualification

Click Here for More Information

Hearing for SB 5085

SB 5085 Concerns Merger of LEOFF1 Retired Teachers and Retired State Employees. Dennis Lawson, President WSCFF, Joyce Willms, LEOFF1 Coalition Executive Director, Teresa Taylor, Executive Director WACOPS and Michael Duchemin, President RFFOW testified during the hearing.

Call The Legislators Today, Jan. 23rd!

The Merger Will Take ALL of LEOFF1 Assets.

Senate Ways & Means Committee Hearing is at 4:00 pm, Room 4 in the John A. Cherberg Building, also called JAC

NO Merger, LEOFF 1, Retired Teachers & Retired  St. Employees

Call the Bill Sponsors
Senator June Robinson  360.786.7674, email:  june.robinson@leg.wa.gov

and Senator T'wina Nobles 360.786.7654
email: twina.nobles@leg.wa.gov

Click HERE to watch live

How To Register To Testify?

Use the Legislature’s Committee Sign-In program! You can use a web-enabled device to go to https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/how-to-testify-at-a-committee-meeting/ or use one of the sign-in kiosks located on the Capitol Campus. 

The State Legislators are after the LEOFF 1 Pension again

LEOFF 1 Members and Beneficiaries, 

We need to work together to kill SB-5085
Merger LEOFF 1, Retired Teacher, and State Employees Pers 1

Click here To Read SB-5085

Inslee Releases Budget Proposal; Includes merger of LEOFF1 and LEOFF2 Pension Plans

Gov. Inslee releases future-focused budget proposal, highlights the growing costs of income inequality. This includes the merger of LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 Pension Plans!

2025 Pension Payment Schedule

Mark your calendar – the new schedule is here!

DRS issues pension payments on the last business day of each month. Please note: the date you receive your payment will depend on your financial institution.

Click here to view schedule

2025 Updates on Signing In to Testify in Committee

For those interested in testifying on a bill in committee, here are ways to testify for a committee hearing remotely. I sent comments in support of Operating and Capital Budget items this way. With funding/budget bills all introduced this week, the policy bills are next.

How to register to testify?

Use the Legislature’s Committee Sign-In program! You can use a web-enabled device to go to www.app.leg.wa.gov/csi or use one of the sign-in kiosks located on the Capitol Campus.

Updates for 2025:

• More Testimony Options - You now can testify either in person or remotely. All testifiers are automatically registered for Zoom and will receive a link in case their plans change.

• Longer Registration Period – Registration is no longer limited to the day of the hearing. You may now register as soon as a bill is scheduled for public hearing until 1 hour before the meeting is scheduled to begin (you will not be able to register after this deadline has passed).

• Easier to Register – Registration locations are no longer limited to the Capitol Campus. You may now register to testify from any location, even from home.

• Easier to Submit Written Testimony – You may submit written testimony online from the time a bill is scheduled until up to 24 hours after the start of the hearing (committees are paperless and hand-outs are no longer accepted).

Governor's actions:

The Governor reviews the bill. Click Here to Read More

Pension and Investments

Join the Leoff 1 Coalition

Protect Your Retirement Plan and Medical Benefits

The Coalition is the only state wide organization that exclusively represents retired LEOFF1 Members and Beneficiaries.

MEMBERSHIP FORMS

Click here for the PAYROLL DEDUCTION MEMBERSHIP form - PDF VERSION

Click here for the MEMBERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION form - PDF VERSION

Update Your Information

Keep Track with What's Happening at the Capital!

Washington State Wire - Click Here!

The Olympian: Politics/Government - Click Here!

The Seattle Times: Olympia Politics - Click Here!

The News Tribune: Politics & Government - Click Here!

The Columbian: Politics - Click Here!

The Spokesman: Washington Politics - Click Here!