Wow, they DO still have the pension program, it was just modified after the crash of 2008. Looks like I was fortunate to have previously worked for the state right before they changed the rules, so that means if I returned, I'm grandfathered in at the more favorable situation of getting pension benefits with no contribution required (new employees now have to contribute 4%). I spoke with the Deferred Compensation department and I am now glad I left my old plan in place there (even though it's only a few hundred dollars). They said the plan is made up of a 457b to which employee contributions go, and a 401a to which employer contributions go. Unfortunately, the state is no longer matching and they said you cannot contribute personally to the 401a unless you are rolling over an old pre-tax account like a 401k. But the 457b is definitely good news! I discovered I have my little pittance there sitting in a Target Date 2045 fund, which is fine.
I also found out my short time of 1.5 years with them previously will be added to my vestment requirement of 5 years after 1 full year of renewed service. So if I work for them again, I'll just have to wait a little over 3 years to become vested.
Now that my faith is bolstered in their retirement benefits being competitive with what I'm currently receiving, this will make the decision easier should I receive a job offer.