July 18th 2026


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


Washington Court Orders DRS to Repay $120 Million to Teachers' Retirement Accounts

A Thurston County Superior Court has ordered the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) to return approximately $120 million in withheld interest and investment earnings to more than 26,000 members of TRS Plan 3. The ruling concludes a class action lawsuit that began in 2003 and highlights the importance of protecting promised retirement benefits for public employees.

Read the full announcement here.


LEOFF 1 Coalition Legal Update

From Dave Reichert, Secretary and Legal Liaison

LEOFF Plan 1 Members, Beneficiaries, and Survivors,

The purpose of this communication is to address questions generated by the recent Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) notice and to provide members with updated information received from Coalition legal counsel regarding the pending class-action lawsuit challenging E2SHB 2034.

Click Here to Read Full Article


Be Wary of Elder Fraud Scams

As part of the stages of life, many of us find ourselves caring for elderly family members. It can be a stressful, challenging endeavor in the best of times. It’s especially troubling if an elderly family member becomes the victim of fraud.
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and to help raise awareness of elder fraud, DRS would like to remind family members of three major scams that often target the elderly:

Read Full Article Here


Gregoire: Olympia Has a Spending Problem

Follow the link below to listen to the Northwest Politicast and read the article

Click here


WSIB Monthly Defined Benefit Plan Market Values

According to recent Washington State Investment Board reports, the LEOFF Plan 1 trust continues to maintain substantial assets, with market values exceeding $7.2 billion during the first quarter of 2026.

Click Here to Read Full Article


Ferguson first WA governor found in violation of ethics laws in over 30 years, state website shows

Gov. Bob Ferguson is the first Washington governor in more than 30 years to be found in violation of the state's executive ethics law, according to the board's enforcement website.

Click Here to Read Full Article


Upcoming Pension Policy Meetings May Impact LEOFF Plan 1

Policy discussions that impact LEOFF Plan 1 often begin long before legislation is introduced. Monitoring SCPP meetings helps ensure members remain informed and engaged in the process.

Meetings are scheduled Tuesdays at 10:00AM on the following dates:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Tuesday, December 15, 2026

Watch on TVW: Click Here


Legal Action Filed to Protect LEOFF Plan 1

The LEOFF 1 Coalition, in partnership with the Retired Seattle Police Officers Association and the Retired Firefighters of Washington, has filed a class-action lawsuit challenging recent legislation impacting LEOFF Plan 1.

This legal action seeks to protect the pension funds and benefits promised to LEOFF 1 members, beneficiaries, and their families.

CLICK HERE To read the Press Release



Take Action Today

Protecting LEOFF Plan 1 takes all of us. Here’s how you can help right now:

✔ Pay Your 2026 Dues

If you haven't yet paid your 2026 membership dues, please do so today. Your support keeps the Coalition running and actively advocating for you.

Click Here to Pay Your Dues Online

or

Download Membership/Contribution Form

✔ Support the Legal Defense & Advocacy Fund

This lawsuit is critical—and resource-intensive. Contributions to the Legal Defense Fund directly support the fight to protect your pension.

Click Here to Donate Online

✔ Encourage Others to Join

Know a fellow LEOFF Plan 1 member who hasn’t joined? Encourage them to become part of the Coalition today. A stronger membership means a stronger voice.

Download Membership/Contribution Form

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

You can call or email Adriane Goodwin if you have questions or need assistance with membership dues or donations.

360-464-1428

adriane@leoff1coalition.org


Members: Stay Informed & Engaged


Follow the LEOFF 1 Coalition on Facebook for immediate alerts and the latest on our legal efforts.

Follow Us Today!

 

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


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)


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 onl statewide organization that exclusively epresents 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.


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



Pension and Investments

Washington state high court rules pension benefit reductions are constitutional
Click here for more details.

The LEOFF 1 Coalition website contains some files that come in a "pdf" format which requires Adobe's Acrobat Reader in order to view and search through the documents. If you don't already have it, you can download it here.  It's free from Adobe.

Adobe

Legislator Information!
Click the links below.


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

Contact Joyce Willms at joyce@leoff1coalition.org or by calling the Coalition office at 360-570-1035.

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!

Swisher v. City of Moses Lake
Swisher v. City of Moses Lake Case letter from Joe Fischnaller, Atty - Click here

Finding of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order - case document filed Feb. 5, 2010 - Click here

Order of Motion for Summer Judgement - case document filed Oct. 9, 2009 - Click here

Superior Court of Washington for Grant County, Elvis T. Swisher vs City of Moses Lake - July 7, 2008 - Click here

State Legislators

Please read this
Bakenhus Decision 1956

RETIREMENT LAWS
of the
WASHINGTON LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
and
FIREFIGHTERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM.

Original 1970 Manual
Click here to read.


Medical Benefits For Plan1 Members
Wa.St. RCW 41.26.030 Section 19
Last Updated March 2017


Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Plan 1 Hand Book

Contact - 1-800-547-6657
Last Updated March 2017


Department of Retirement Systems

Leoff1 Plan Disability Benefits
Click Here

Leoff1 Plan Disability Board Guidelines
Click Here


What To Do When
A Death Occurs

Click Here

Contact - 1-800-547-6657 ext.47081


Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
360.664.7000
800.547.6657
WEBSITE


Annual Inflation
Click Here
Last Updated March 2014


Lifetime Retirement
Planning Frequently
Asked Questions

Click Here
Contact - 1-800-547-6657Last Updated 2010


For more government information and phone numbers, Click Here!


Social Security
Main Website: http://www.ssa.gov
Find an Office: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Contact: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-352-0778

Veteran’s Benefits
After Death Occurs

Benefits:
1-800-827-1000

Health Care:
1-877-222-VETS (8387)

VA Inspector General:
1-800-488-8244

Veterans Crisis Line:
1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)