Mayor Annise Parker has called Houstonâs pensions âunsustainable.â Following her recent inauguration, Mayor Parker says she wants to tackle the problem and create a more sustainable retirement for current employees. The Mayor and other officials have said thereâs a growing need for pension reform. But what changes can be made without impacting benefits already promised to employees? Today on Houston Matters, we discuss the city of Houstonâs pension system with city council member Stephen Costello.
Weâll also turn our attention to the stateâs pension systems. Officials project one of two systems, the Employees Retirement System, will run out of money to pay benefits by 2052 if nothing is done to change the program. The Texas Legislature could consider several options when it meets again in 2015.
Also this hour: Just a few months ago, the City of Houston rolled out its Mow-Down program â a pilot program to address overgrown abandoned lots in Houston neighborhoods. Officials say theyâre eyesores which raise public safety concerns. Weâll talk with the head of the program.
And we hear from Broadway singer and actress Betty Buckley, a 2012 inductee into the American Theater Hall of Fame. The Texas native is performing a concert Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wortham Center.
