The Defined Benefit

Search

Categories

Tags

Date

  • Iowa Briefly Looks at Closing Pension System

    On February 10, 2025, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed an Executive Order establishing the Iowa Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force. Framed as a panel to “improve effectiveness and efficiency in government at all levels,” the task force was…

  • Worker Representation in Pension Governance: Why It Matters

    The introduction of public pension plans in the United States was significantly shaped by lobbying and advocacy from employee groups, including unions and professional associations. Even today, worker representation remains crucial for addressing issues such as workplace safety, pay, and…

  • 90 Years of Social Security: Protecting the First Leg of Retirement Security

    On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating one of the most enduring pillars of economic security in American history. For nine decades, Social Security has ensured that millions of Americans—retirees, people…

  • Webinar Recap: Key Moments from NPPC’s Mid-Year Legislative Update
    Empty Lawmaker Chairs

    At the National Public Pension Coalition, we monitor pension legislation and news in states very closely. Earlier this week, NPPC Executive Director Kendal Killian and special guests discussed key legislative issues in 2025 during our Mid-Year Legislative Update webinar.  Did…

  • Federal Job Cuts Threaten the Black Middle Class

    As we honor Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people, we reflect on the deep, rich legacy of struggle, resilience, and triumph. This day serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how…

  • 2025 State Legislative Recap

    As legislatures across the country pack up and head home for the summer, we reflect on how pensions fared in the 2025 state sessions. National headlines touted sweeping federal job cuts and frozen federal aid funds, but did that affect…

  • A Major Step Forward: Alaska’s House Passes HB 78

    After nearly two decades without a defined benefit pension system for public employees, Alaska is one step closer to reversing course. On May 12, 2025, the Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 78 —a historic move toward restoring secure…

  • Public Service Deserves Public Support

    This Public Service Recognition Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the millions of public employees who work every day to serve and strengthen our communities. Approximately 20.6 million Americans work for state and local governments. They teach in our…

  • Alaska’s Pension Reform Faces Another Delay

    Last week in Alaska, Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel and House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp signalled that passage of a bill restoring a defined benefit pension for Alaska public employees was unlikely to pass both chambers before the 2025 legislative…

  • Public Pension Plans Highlight Long-Term Investing Strategy Amid Market Volatility

    This was the headline on Monday on Bloomberg, as individual investors and pension funds reacted to the seemingly purposeful market volatility—a result of an ever-changing tariff landscape.  Public pension funds are taking a hit amid volatile market conditions exacerbated by…

  • The Billionaire Blueprint: Gut Pensions, Privatize Social Security

    At the National Public Pension Coalition (NPPC), we know that the fight to protect Social Security and our ongoing battle to defend defined benefit pensions are intrinsically linked. In Alaska, where NPPC proudly supports the effort to restore a defined…

  • Honoring Women in the Public Sector: A Legacy of Service and Security

    As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the countless women who have dedicated their careers to serving the public. From educators and first responders to healthcare professionals and government workers, women in the public sector have played a vital…