You are making contributions in now money either way.  But if it is for a future stable payout politicians are more likely to leave that payment alone than if it is for a now budget impacting payout where they can 'promise' to make it up later.   What leads to the instability is the fact that rather than being an 'off the table discussion' the contribution to employee retirements would CONSTANTLY be on the table.  So no it is not more stable for budgeting or any other purposes.  As for expense there is a HUGE upfront expense as well as increased expenses going forward as the state contributions and payroll have to adjust to industry standards (something that will increase salaries substantially if PERA goes away)