The Defined Benefit

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  • The Inequity Trap: How 401(k)s Drive Earning Gaps Between Workers

    A new study from Vanguard outlines a predictable yet troubling reality: The vast majority of employer contributions to 401(k) plans benefit higher-income employees rather than their working-class counterparts. The study, conducted by economists from MIT, Yale, and the U.S. Census…

  • High Pension Stakes in the Great Lakes State
    mackinac bridge

    Michigan has a pension problem. The complicated history between the state legislature and the state’s defined benefit pension systems has contributed to public sector employee shortages, including education, public safety, public works, and other state and local government positions. But…

  • 2024 State Legislative Highlights

    Many state legislatures have come to a close, and it is apparent that the conversation around pensions is on the upswing. After years of attacks on, reforms to, and closures of state pension systems have ultimately led to worker retention…

  • The Value of Public Pensions: Why They Matter for Younger Workers

    Anti-pension opponents and lawmakers often repeat some versions of the refrain ‘Young workers aren’t interested in pensions.’ But who are they asking? Is this anecdote grounded in data? Do young people even know the difference between a pension and a…

  • Celebrating Public Service

    Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first full week of May since 1985, is a time to honor the public employees who serve communities across the country as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government workers. Their work impacts all…

  • Happy International Workers’ Day

    “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for what you will.”  It might seem preposterous that an eight-hour workday ever had to be fought for. But like every other labor victory in America, this right to…

  • Navigating Maryland’s Labor Challenges in the Wake of Tragedy

    As the nation mourns the devastating loss of life in the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, the aftermath unveils more profound challenges that lie ahead. The tragedy not only leaves a scar on the city but also sheds…

  • Understanding Turnover Trends: NIRS Report on Rhode Island Retirement System Reforms

    In recent years, workforce shortages have become increasingly prevalent nationwide, igniting discussions about the pivotal role pensions play in employee retention. This topic has not only captured the attention of the public sector but has also become a prominent debate…

  • Celebrating Women’s Contributions to the Public Sector: Trailblazers Who Paved the Way

    As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we at NPPC want to spotlight several remarkable women who made significant contributions to the public sector, broke barriers, and inspired future generations. These four trailblazers have left an indelible mark on…

  • Pension Legislation Updates: Paving the Way Forward

    This year presents a dynamic landscape for public pensions across various states, marked by challenges and significant opportunities. In a refreshing shift, we find ourselves in a unique position. Not only does public opinion now favor defined-benefit pensions, but major…

  • Reclaiming the American Dream: The Battle for Retirement Security

    In the ongoing saga of retirement planning, the shift from traditional pensions to more volatile 401(k) plans has left many Americans feeling uncertain about their financial futures. Sara Schambers, a Ford auto worker and fourth-generation union member, exemplifies the concerns…