NCPERS News Clips

March 19, 2013

News Clips for March 19th, 2013

U.S. News

• State, local pension reforms offsetting effects of financial crisis ? research
  State and local pension reform efforts are beginning to offset the effects of the financial crisis, according to a new study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.
• NM Legislature OKs wage, pension, health bills
  The New Mexico Legislature wrapped up work Friday night on three key issues, sending to the governor bills to raise the state's minimum wage, establish a state-run health insurance exchange and shore up the solvency of a pension plan for educators.
• Oregon PERS: Bills abound in the Legislature to cut pension costs, but vary as to scope and scale
  Some 40 bills have been introduced this year to rein in the runaway cost of Oregon's Public Employees Retirement System. Three dozen are sponsored by Republicans. None have had a hearing.
• Illinoisans oppose state pension cuts 2-1, poll says
  Last week Illinois House members backed a measure to limit the salary on which public employees' retirement benefits could be based. One of a few proposals to address the state's $96.7 billion pension shortfall, it was seen as a test vote as lawmakers grapple with some way to make good on years of the legislature failing to make its payments.
• Kansas panel hears pitch for new 401(k)-style public plan from ex-US Sen. Bradley, Nobel winner
  Republican legislators and GOP Gov. Sam Brownback's administration on Monday launched a campaign to create a 401(k)-style pension plan for new Kansas teachers and government workers with a pitch from former presidential candidate Bill Bradley and a Nobel laureate.
• Hundreds of firefighters rally at Oklahoma Capitol to protest legislation
  Hundreds of firefighters from across the state converged Monday on the state Capitol to oppose changes to their pension plans and legislation that would reduce awards to injured workers.
• Florida Senate, House pension bills far apart
  House and Senate committees staked out starkly different positions Thursday on how to overhaul the Florida Retirement System, complicating an already contentious battle over the future of public employees' pensions.

Canadian News

• Air Canada wins pension funding reprieve
  Air Canada, Montreal, received an extension from the Canadian government Tuesday on pension funding arrangements until Jan. 30, 2021, according to a news release.