Concrete Products covers the issues that attract producers of ready mixed and manufactured concrete focusing on equipment and material technology, market development and management topics.
Issue link: http://concrete.epubxp.com/i/791382
14 • March 2017 www.concreteproducts.com GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AGENCIES The U.S. Treasury Department has certified the results of an election in which Iron Workers Local 17 (Cleveland) Pension Fund participants have approved benefit cuts now to avoid a projected fund insolvency in 2024. Votes were cast 2 to 1 in favor of approving a plan that calls for accrued benefit reduction plus elimination of early retirement subsidies and extra benefit credits. The Trustees appreciate that a majority of the participants under- stood that the suspension plan," Local No. 17 officials informed members and fund participants. "At the time of the projected insol- vency in 2024, the Pension Fund would have been in line with many other insolvent plans seeking to share the scarce financial assistance available from the Pension Benefit Corporation." Enabling the election was the Kline-Miller Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014, establishing a new process to propose a tempo- rary or permanent reduction of pension benefits if a plan is projected to run out of money before paying all promised benefits. Kline-Miller requires the Treasury Department, in consultation with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Department of Labor, to review a multiemployer pension plan's application to reduce benefits and determine whether it meets the requirements set by Congress. Under Kline-Miller, Treasury is responsible for determining whether the application for a reduction of benefits meets the require- ments set by Congress. Benefits cannot be reduced until after these actions take place: • The plan sponsor must notify participants and beneficiaries of the application for a benefit reduction; provide an individualized estimate of reduced benefits; and, open application for comment. • Treasury must review and, if the application satisfies all of the Kline-Miller requirements, must approve the application prior to participants and beneficiaries' vote on benefit reduction. Multiemployer Pension law frees union to cut benefits, avert fund insolvency CHAMPIONING DOT SECRETARY CHAO The two groups representing concrete producers' principal suppliers welcomed the 93-6 Senate vote confirming Elaine Chao as U.S. Department of Transportation secretary. "With her experience leading both Labor and Transportation Departments, she is the ideal person to lead the charge on President Trump's $1 trillion infrastructure plan," said National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association CEO Michael Johnson. "We look forward to working with Secretary Chao to invest in America's surface transportation, ports and airports, create jobs and improve our economy in the process." "Her wealth of experience and admirable record of public service will be keen assets as she leads the Administration's effort to revital- ize America's transportation infrastructure," added Portland Cement Association CEO James Toscas. "The nation's cement manufacturers are ready to support these efforts by providing the essential foundation for vital transportation networks of all kinds." Terex ® Advance FD Mixer Trucks provide you with more standard features and a host of customized options to bring value to you and your business. We combine our experience with your input to manuafacture mixer trucks that support you on the road to success. Reliable Maneuverable Efficient Heavy Duty Versatile © 2017 Terex Corporation. All Rights Reserved. To find out more about Terex ® Advance products, visit our Website www.terex.com/construction/en/ or contact us directly 1-800-433-6691 Booth #G3987 Innovative