State House signals approval for Colorado retirement security task force

<p>(Hart Van Denburg/CPR News)</p>
<p>The Colorado Capitol.</p>

Some state lawmakers are worried that Coloradans are saving too little for retirement. So the state House has given initial approval to a task force to study the issue.

One idea that has emerged would be to create a state-run retirement plan open to everyone.

Under the state retirement plan, workers could contribute to an individual retirement account directly from their paycheck. And the state would manage that money, but not match any portion of it.

"We are really trying to fill the gap with the almost half of Coloradans who do not have access to the current system, don’t have money, aren’t thinking about these things," said Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood).

But Republicans say the bill is unnecessary. They say some workers simply don’t earn enough to save for retirement and that those who do already have lots of options.

"I can do a Christmas fund to save up for Christmas gifts. I certainly can use that same methodology to start saving for the future," Rep. Catherine Roupe (R-Colorado Springs).

The retirement security task force bill has one more vote in the state House before moving to the Senate.