COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Governor Nikki Haley addressed South Carolina's retirement system at a State Retirees Association meeting Tuesday.

Haley said last week the state's pension system has a $14 billion gap in cash on hand and future benefit promises.

Association president Wayne Bell says he doesn't think the system is as unsound as Haley does.

"Had we not had the economic meltdown in 2008, I don't think we'd be having this discussion," Bell says.  "I think that is the crux right there."

While he may not agree with Haley on the status of the state's retirement system, he points out that no governor has ever attended a function held by the organization before and he's glad that she appears willing to work with them.