Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has signed legislation eliminating the...

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has signed legislation eliminating the Administrative Law Judge and Legal Advisors Retirement System. The pension plan was rolled into the $6 billion Missouri State Employees' Retirement System, Jefferson City, said Jessica Robinson, Mr. Blunt's press secretary. The law, which took effect immediately after it was signed Tuesday, removed a loophole that allowed some lawmakers and appointees to increase their pensions by serving briefly on commissions. The "outdated" system "was a waste of taxpayers' money," Ms. Robinson said. The pension matter was an issue in the 2004 gubernatorial race. Rick Dahl, Missouri State Employees CIO, was not available for comment by press time.