LACERA has released thier annual CPI numbers that determine your COLA for the year. The CPI increased .3% in December 2010 for a year-to-date total of 1.3%.  LACERA uses the CPI to determine the annual Cost-of-Living (COLA) benefit.  The COLA is awarded each April based on the prior calendar year inflation.  California State Law requires LACERA to round the CPI to the nearest one half of one percent, and as such, the COLA benefit granted in 2011 will be 1.5%.  Members with a COLA Bank (past inflation damage not previously covered by the COLA benefit program) will have their 2011 COLA benefit increased to the program limits of 2% or 3% depending upon the member's specific plan.  A full analysis will be available when the Board of Retirement reviews and approves the 2011 COLA benefit at their February 2011 meeting.