News Clips for January 7th, 2014
NCPERS News
NCPERS Video Blog: Right- Wing Conspiracy Against Pension Plans
Hank Kim discusses the right-wing conspiracy against public pensions, spearheaded by the Koch brothers.
National News
Koch- backed political coalition, designed to shield donors, raised $400 million on 2012
The political network spearheaded by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch has expanded into a far- reaching operation of unrivaled complexity, built around a maze of groups that cloaks its donors, according to an analysis of new tax returns and other documents.
Union approves Boeing contract
A key Boeing labor union narrowly approved late Friday an eight- year contract that keeps production of the new 777X jet airliner in Washington state in exchange for cuts in benefits.
State News
Three Strikes for Reed's Pension Measure?
December has been the cruelest month for San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and his ballot measure designed to slash the retirement benefits of firefighters, teachers, police officers and other public employees.
Cut Salaries, Not Pensions in San Jose, Judge Rules
California law prohibits the City of San Jose from reducing the pensions of city employees, even though the reductions had been approved by voters, but it can cut its workers' salaries to pay for higher retirement costs, under a judge's ruling that was released on Monday.
Police Salaries and Pensions Push California City to Brink
Emerging from Los Angeles' vast eastern sprawl, the freeway glides over a narrow pass and slips gently into the scrubby, palm- flecked Coachella Valley.
Pension task force takes aim at long- term changes in funding police and firefighter pensions
The head of Jacksonville's pension reform task force said Thursday his goal of delivering a package of changes that has buy- in from all sides is "dead in the water".
More Lawsuits Over Illinois Pension Plan
Two more groups of retired Illinois state employees have filed lawsuits challenging a new plan to eliminate the state's $100 billion public pension shortfall.
Kentucky will meet pension commitment, lawmakers say
After committing last year to fully fund the state's retirement system, Gov. Steve Beshear and lawmakers must now tackle the hard part-- budgeting the money. And some will seek new pension reforms in 2014.
Detroit emergency manager opts to delay pension freeze
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr on Monday delayed a move to freeze the pension fund for some of the city's workers just hours after the order became public, saying a delay would allow for mediation with the city's retirement funds to play out.
Detroit bankruptcy judge reviews new deals to pay off debt
A judge overseeing Detroit's bankruptcy is considering a recent agreement to pay off banks and settle millions of dollars in debt tied to an interest rate swap deal.
Detroit Wins $55 Million in Concessions From 2 Banks
The struggling city of Detroit said on Tuesday that it had won rare concessions, worth $55 million, from two large banks that sold it a type of financial contract that normally cannot be reduced, even in bankruptcy.
De Blasio Plan to Use NYC Pension for Housign Faces Constraints
Mayor- elect Bill de Blasio's plan to pump $1 billion of New York's $144 billion in pension assets into apartments for poor and working- class residents faces constraints including competition from banks and decling federal aid.
Pa. legislators focus on continuing fiscal discipline in 2014
The start of a new year has state legislators from Franklin County, Pa. considering the work that confronts the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Pensions, budget deficits, toll and politics expected to dominate 2014 legislative session
The General Assembly awarded $384, 000 for the Rhode Island Community food Bank in 2007. Lawmakers gave the organization just under $173,000 in 2013. Meanwhile, the number of Rhode Islanders relying on food pantries doubled.
Opinions
14 Fl. politics stories to watch in '14
As 2014 kicks off, here's a look at some of the key issues that could dominate the political landscape in the year ahead.
Defend military pension cuts: Our view
System is not only extremely generous, it is also counterproductive.
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