BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – The head of the group representing public employees says it is ready to fight a change in the public employees’ retirement plan.

Governor Burgum supports changing it from a “defined benefit” plan to a “defined contribution” plan. And a Legislative interim committee has voted to advance a bill to make that change, for new state hires beginning in 2024.

One of the reasons for doing it is an “unfunded liability” in the current plan. And Burgum is proposing $250 million to help stabilize the current plan for those already in that system.

Nick Archuleta is the president of North Dakota United, which represents public employees and teachers.

Archuleta says the organization plans to be at the hearings during the 2023 Legislative session, which begins in January.