About Wyoming's Coalition
The Wyoming Coalition for a Healthy Retirement (WCHR) exists to protect the security and dignity of retired firefighters, teachers, nurses and librarians.
The facts on WRS
- The average service at retirement is 19.9 years, and about 20% of all retirees are career employees with 30 or more years of public service.
- In 2017, WRS paid over $607 million in benefits.
- About 79% of WRS payments remain in Wyoming and are recycled back in our economy.
Pamela’s Story
I am a Senior Administrative Assistant at Campbell County Public Works in Gillette, Wyoming. I chose this occupation because of the benefits – particularly WRS – and the work hours due to raising a family. I have been employed for 20 years and I truly enjoy assisting our customers with navigating the procedures involved with the government requirements in the successful completion of their individual projects.
The WRS was a huge part of my decision to work for Campbell County. The saying is ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ and I think that truly applies to our retirement benefits. Personally, I have no one to depend on but myself. I am no longer married and my retirement benefits are invaluable and irreplaceable to me.
I plan on working another 3-4 years and this is one of my most solid legs of my retirement stool. It is an ever-changing, scary world out there and at this point, I am out of recovery time. I beg you to remain steadfast in keeping the WRS whole and intact as it is today. What a comfort and a blessing it is to have this tool in my tool box for retirement.
Learn More About WRS
Helpful Links
Economic Benefits of Pensions in Wyoming one-pager.
Good Jobs First: Putting Pension Cost in Context Report