Elorza's working group frames Providence pension crisis as a statewide issue Published Mon Jul 26 2021 22:22:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Members of a new pension working group unveiled Monday by Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said residents and elected officials across the state need to be more concerned about the threat posed by the pension crisis in the capital city. by Ian Donnis After Elorza made preliminary remarks during a virtual news conference, most of the other speakers underscored the need for all Rhode Islanders to be aware of Providence’s $1.2 billion in unfunded pension obligations. City Council President John Igliozzi said even some elected officials don’t realize how the pension gap “is a constant drag on the city’s growth and ability to move forward. By the way, if the city can’t move forward, neither can the state. That’s why this pension issue is so important to address.”