False alarms distract from real retirement challenges
In a Forbes column, Dan Doonan writes that despite economic challenges, public pension plans in the U.S. have remained resilient. In fact, many plans remain at their highest funded levels in years, even with more conservative investment return assumptions.
The strength and resiliency of these retirement plans can be attributed, at least in part, to the implementation of changes stemming from lessons learned following the Great Recession. Yet, misinformation continues about the financial health of these retirement plans that provide economic security for state and local government workers like first responders and teachers.
Statement on Efforts in Alaska to Restore Pension Benefits to Address Grave Workforce Shortage
Alaska’s effort to restore a pension plan for public workers represents meaningful progress in addressing one of the state’s most pressing challenges: attracting and retaining a stable, experienced public workforce. While Governor Dunleavy has vetoed the legislation, the fact that the measure passed both the House and Senate demonstrates a growing recognition that retirement benefits are not just about retirement security — they also are an essential workforce management tool.
