NCPERS Policy Webinar: What’s Ahead for Public Pensions
The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is hosting a timely webinar on December 11th at 2:00 PM EST on the state and federal policy landscape that will shape public pensions in the year ahead. NCPERS Executive Director Hank Kim and Anthony Roda of William & Jensen will walk through the latest legislative trends, what public plans should expect from Washington and the state legislatures, and how these developments may affect retirement security for millions of public employees. The session also previews the schedule for the upcoming NCPERS Legislative Conference & Policy Day.
Oklahoma’s Anti-ESG Law Heads to the State Supreme Court
A closely watched Oklahoma Supreme Court case continues to move forward, even with no new filings since June. The case challenges the Oklahoma Energy Discrimination Elimination Act (EDEA), a 2022 law that restricts pension funds from working with financial institutions accused of “boycotting” fossil fuels.
Judge Sheila Stinson struck down the law last year and halted enforcement. The original plaintiff, retired public employee Don Keenan, argued that blacklisting firms based on ESG views could harm retirees. Although Keenan passed away in April, the Court allowed the case to continue.
The Alliance for Prosperity & a Secure Retirement notes the case “could have national economic implications” and may influence how other states “structure laws around ESG factors and fiduciary responsibility.” Democracy Forward and Ceres have joined as amicus curiae. The Oklahoma case may help clarify the boundary between politics and fiduciary duty in public pension management.
When the Mackinac Center Is Applauding… Accept the Compliment — and Stay Alert
The Mackinac Center — a dark-money-funded conservative think tank, and frequent critic of public-sector pensions — published a piece this week praising Michigan lawmakers for responsibly making required pension payments. Their commentary celebrates legislators for “tackling a difficult problem” and sticking with long-term funding commitments.
Responsible funding is good for workers, taxpayers, and the long-term stability of Michigan’s retirement systems, but praise from ardent opponents should come with a note of caution. The Mackinac Center’s broader agenda still leans toward weakening defined-benefit pensions and heaping unworthy praise on 401(k) plans. Thus, their glowing rhetoric now could be interpreted as a backhanded compliment of sorts and may foreshadow new proposals framed as the “next step” in fiscal discipline.
Still, giving credit where it’s due: when lawmakers meet their obligations, even long-time billionaire-funded critics have to acknowledge the progress. And that’s worth celebrating — while keeping both eyes open.
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.