Optional Retirement Plan Report: Denise Yunker, human resources manager for OUS, reported on reductions to Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) contributions, due to the unintended consequence of its linkage to PERS employer contribution rates, when Measure 29 bond sale decreased PERS rates. She noted that resolving the Measure 29 rate relief decrease in ORP contributions is a high priority for the OUS due to the significant reduction of 65% in ORP participants¹ retirement benefit. Yunker said that OUS and the Office of the Attorney General have explored statutory interpretations of the linking regulation, but many factors need to be considered, including historical PERS rate calculation methods and IRS requirements. Legislative action to decouple the PERS and ORP contribution rates is under consideration to protect ORP participants from rate changes applicable solely to PERS.