The PERSI effect

The average monthly benefit for Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho members is $1,342, 11th lowest in the nation for state systems, according to PERSI.

A member with an average annual salary of $32,000 who worked 18 years would receive a benefit of $959.99 a month. If the same member worked 30 years, they would receive $1,599.90.

The average annual salary for all public employees in Idaho is $32,000 and the average length of service is 18 years, according to Patrice Perow, PERSI's communications manager.

By comparison, someone with an annual salary of $50,000 and 30 years of service, assuming the benefits and contributions don't change, would receive a benefit of $2,499.88 per month.

PERSI does not make contributions. Unlike some public pension systems, PERSI requires contributions from both employers and employees.

PERSI's annual payroll is $522 million, of which $465 million (89 percent) goes to retirees living in Idaho.

"This results in tax revenue for the state and makes a positive impact on Idaho's economy as retirees pay for goods and services," Perow said.

Idahoans who receive PERSI benefits are less likely to end up relying on taxpayer-funded public assistance programs, she said.