Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions! From renewed opportunities for pension restoration in Alaska to a successful election for pension advocates in Wyoming, public workers are turning their attention toward the legislative work ahead. We’re also following Providence’s divestment vote and a major pension funding announcement in Pennsylvania.
Midterm Election Victories
Ahead of Election Day, NPPC highlighted several races that could shape the future of public pensions. While results are still coming in, the 2026 Midterm elections have already proven to be successful for public pension advocates. Click here for a full rundown.
Alaska: Pension Restoration Wins Electoral Mandate
Alaska’s bipartisan Senate majority announced it will continue into the next legislative session, with pension bill author and pension champion Cathy Giessel set to become Senate president. The Alaska Current reports that the leadership changes could improve the prospects for pension legislation.
The Alaska State Legislature House Majority Coalition also announced its leadership this week, selecting Rep. Calvin Schrage as the next Speaker of the House. House bill pension bill author Rep. Chuck Kopp will continue as House Majority Leader.
Public employees and their unions have spent years arguing that secure retirement benefits are essential to recruiting and retaining teachers, first responders, and other public workers. After lawmakers passed pension restoration legislation only to see Governor Mike Dunleavy veto it, the next governor and Legislature will have another opportunity to deliver.
In the race for Alaska Governor, pension champion Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins leads the ranked-choice gubernatorial race with 49%. One analysis notes, “it is possible that Kreiss-Tomkins earns over 50% of voters’ first choices, once all ballots have arrived.” While the gubernatorial race is not yet called, the available data shows it would be nearly impossible for Kreiss-Tomkins to be overtaken at this point.
Wyoming: Pension Advocates Celebrate Election Wins
The Wyoming Coalition for a Healthy Retirement reports that every candidate it endorsed won the general election. The coalition’s outreach included postcards, emails, text messages, and direct engagement with members and supporters.
Wyoming voters also rejected Proposition 1, which would have created a 50% property tax exemption for qualifying primary residences. WCHR opposed the measure as part of its election outreach.
For the coalition, the next step is building on those relationships during the 2027 legislative session. Electing officials who understand the value of public pensions creates an opportunity to protect the retirement security of Wyoming’s public employees and retirees—and advocates are preparing to capitalize on it.
Michigan: A New Governor, Unfinished Pension Business
Jocelyn Benson won Michigan’s governor’s race, succeeding term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The transition comes as public employees continue pressing lawmakers to improve retirement security.
As NPPC outlined in our pre-election overview, Michigan workers are still waiting for a retirement fix. The election does not resolve those demands on its own. It gives advocates a new administration to engage and another opportunity to make secure retirement a priority.
Pennsylvania Announces $427 Million in Municipal Pension Aid
Pennsylvania announced more than $427 million in state aid for pension plans serving police officers, paid firefighters, and other municipal employees. The funding reached 1,441 municipalities and regional departments.
The announcement also highlighted the first cost-of-living adjustment for municipal police and firefighters since 2002. For retirees who have gone decades without an increase, protecting purchasing power is critical to retirement security.
Consistent funding and benefits that keep pace with retirees’ needs deserve attention long after election season ends. Public employees spend their careers serving their communities. Keeping the retirement promises made to them must remain a priority.
Providence Voters Approve Pension Divestment Measure
Providence voters overwhelmingly approved Question 7, a citizen-led measure that restricts municipal investments tied to severe human rights violations. Rhode Island Current reported that the proposal had received more than 76% support in the election-night count.
The measure has implications for the city’s pension investments. Mayor-elect David Morales supports it, while the outgoing administration raised concerns about its enforceability and potential litigation. Supporters say the ordinance was designed to accommodate the city’s obligations to pensioners.
The vote now shifts the debate from the ballot box to implementation, where the city must address both the voters’ directive and its responsibility to protect workers’ retirement benefits..
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.