North Dakota representative calls state's $1.85B unfunded pension liability "huge black mark"

(Fargo, ND) -- State lawmakers in Bismarck continue to consider legislation aimed at addressing the state's unfunded $1.85 billion pension liability.  

"That's a huge black mark on the state's balance sheet that I was not aware of until I was fortunate to be able to come out here and serve the constituents of District 27," said State Representative Greg Stemen.

Stemen is among the house members who helped pass HB 1040. The bill would add money from the Legacy Fund to the state's PERS plan to help make up for the deficit, and would switch newly hired state employees from a defined benefit retirement plan to a defined contribution plan. 

The senate has a separate bill aimed at addressing the pension shortfall. 

Stemen appeared on "What's on Your Mind" on AM 1100 The Flag.