Advisory Opinion 1976-56

Dear :

This is in reply to your correspondence dated September 4, 1975, on behalf of                                                                       , who submitted proposed legislation on public retirement systems.

Section 3021 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) establishes a Joint Pension Task Force (JPTF) within the Congress. Section 3031 of ERISA outlines studies to be undertaken by the JPTF, one of which is a study of public employee pensions. Congressman Dent, to whom                                                                  sent his proposal, is a member of the Task Force. They have begun a study in this area which must be completed by September, 1976.

Section 513 of ERISA authorizes the Secretary of Labor to undertake research and surveys relating to the ERISA. The Department intends to undertake a study of public employee pensions in cooperation with the Congressional effort

I am certain that the JPTF will give consideration to                                                                           proposal, and I can assure you that the Department of Labor will.

Your correspondence is returned herewith.