The problem with the PERS situation is that the charges do not reflect real costs but rather contributions to investment accounts that will not be used for years.  The contributions needed are not based on payments required now, but on payments required years into the future.  The PERS contribution amounts are based on economic projections that can be manipulated to achieve policy objectives of those in power.  So current power holders, democrat of course, want to create perception of a tax shortage so they project that massive PERS contributions are necessary.  The media fails to disclose information voters need to understand the situation such as actual PERS payout each year vs current state contribution rate and the assumed growth parameters affecting existing PERS investment reserves.  I suspect that if the markets were to generate 8%/year for 5 years, much of the deficit would be erased and additional payments unnecessary.  But who knows, we are not told.