NPPC News
The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) has released its newest bi-annual report on spending powered by private and public sector pensions, Pensionomics 2025: Measuring the Economic Impact of Defined Benefit Pension Expenditures. Be sure to check out our summary of the latest research here!
Connecticut Expands Pension Protections for Families of Fallen State Workers
In a major victory for public employees and their families, Connecticut lawmakers have unanimously approved a resolution ensuring that the families of state workers killed in the line of duty receive survivor pension benefits. Previously, pensions were only available to families if the worker had served at least 25 years or was over 55 years old—leaving many grieving families without crucial financial support.
The change was inspired by cases like that of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty in May 2024. Despite his decade of service, his family was initially denied benefits under the outdated system. Similarly, the family of the DOT worker Andrew DiDomenico, who lost his life while on the job, will now receive the support they deserve.
Governor Ned Lamont emphasized that this legislation recognizes the sacrifices public employees make every day, “Many state employees have job responsibilities that often put their lives at risk, and the state must be there for their families whenever we may be faced with an unfortunate tragedy. With the change approved today, these families can now begin receiving survivor benefits.”
Michigan Public Safety Pension Bills Stalled Despite Bipartisan Support
A set of bills aimed at strengthening retirement benefits for Michigan’s public safety workers has hit a roadblock despite passing both the House and Senate with bipartisan backing. House Bills 4665, 4666, and 4667, which include adding corrections officers to the state police pension system, remain in limbo as Republican leadership conducts a “legal review” before sending them to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The delay has sparked frustration among supporters who see these bills as a long-overdue step toward improving retirement security for public safety workers.
Richard Cardenas of the Michigan State Employees Association emphasized the importance of strong pension benefits in attracting and retaining top candidates in high-stress, high-risk professions, “Obviously, we want to have the best candidates coming into this profession. Because it’s no secret, sometimes we might be put into situations that we have to make split-second decisions under very stressful conditions.”
Despite the stall, hope remains. The bills are the furthest progress yet in securing better retirement benefits for Michigan’s public employees.
Unions Sue Administration Over Efforts to Politicize Civil Service
Two of the nation’s largest government employee unions have filed a lawsuit against the administration, challenging its efforts to reshape the federal workforce through executive orders. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) filed the suit this week, claiming the administration is attempting to erode long-standing civil service protections. This attack on public employees undermines not only the work they do but also jeopardizes the pension benefits public sector workers deserve,
“Schedule F is a shameless attempt to politicize the federal workforce by replacing thousands of dedicated, qualified civil servants with political cronies,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “Our union was born in the fight for a professional, non-partisan civil service, and our communities will pay the price if these anti-union extremists are allowed to undo decades of progress by stripping these workers of their freedoms.”
The lawsuit seeks to block the administration’s efforts and reinforce protections for federal workers. It marks the latest legal battle over the future of the civil service system as the administration pushes for sweeping workforce reforms.
Be sure to check back next Friday for the latest news in the fight for a secure retirement! For now, sign up for NPPC News Clips to receive daily pension news from across the country directly to your inbox.