Providence, R.I. - The Rhode Island Retirement Security Coalition has released a YouTube video on its website that explains the pension problem in Rhode Island. The ten minute video is a tutorial on the history of Rhode Island’s pension system–and how we got into this current predicament.

“The video’s intent is to inform our members of how we got into this situation,” stated George Nee, Chairman of the coalition. “For too long, public employees have been attacked and scapegoated for Rhode Island’s pension problem. There is too much misinformation out there. We want to set the record straight and let people know that this is not the fault of hard working police officers, firefighters, teachers, or state/municipal employees. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Public Employees have always contributed their fair share to the pension system. They never missed a payment–which can’t be said for some past politicians who failed to make the required employer contribution. And not only have the workers never missed a payment, but they have been the only group to help solve this problem–to the tune of $500 million in cuts to their pensions over the past six years. All the while, we continue to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Rhode Island residents and corporations. We think Rhode Island’s priorities need to be straightened out.”

The video is one aspect of the coalition’s comprehensive campaign to fight against pension changes. The coalition is also expected to launch TV, radio and internet ads, as well as a major grassroots effort amongst union members. The YouTube video can be seen on the coalition’s website, www.RhodeIslandRetirementSecurity.org.

“We feel this should be a one million person solution,” concluded Nee. “It should not be solved on the backs of just the hard-working and dedicated public employees who did not create the problem. All Rhode Islanders deserves a dignified retirement.”

The Rhode Island Retirement Security Coalition is a group of Rhode Island public sector employee unions representing teachers, state and municipal employees across the state. The group was created to educate and inform members of the coalition's unions on the potential changes to the state retirement system in the upcoming special session of the General Assembly.

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To see the video please click the below link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_53FAewDIQA