In 2015, no state moved away from defined benefit pensions, meaning that workers across the country will be able to retire securely.

At the mid-point of 2016, states and cities have expanded access to pensions!

Below is a summary of state fights to protect public pensions and retirement security in 2016:

Alabama – win!

• The Pew Charitable Trusts were active in lobbying Alabama to convert RSA to a cash balance system.  The bill was not introduced this session.

Arizona – win!

• Public safety unions initiated legislation to improve the sustainability of their system.  The legislation passed the House and Senate and was put to a vote on May 17.  It passed overwhelmingly.
• The state legislature adjourned without advancing any harmful legislation.

Colorado – win!

• The state legislature adjourned without advancing any harmful legislation.

Indiana – win!

• HB 1004, which would give school districts the option to offer a DC plan to teachers, was killed in the Senate.  

Louisiana – win!

• A hybrid bill, HB 65, was killed in committee. A COLA bill was passed for retirees.

Michigan – still in session 

• Awaiting action on SB 102, which would convert new hires in the Public School Retirement System to a defined contribution plan.  No action taken on SB 102 in 2016.

Missouri – win!

• The state legislature adjourned without advancing any harmful legislation.

Nebraska – win!

• The City of Lincoln debated and ultimately rejected changing its pension system.

Oklahoma – win!

• No harmful bills were passed.  
• A proactive bill, the Pension Improvement Act, was passed and signed by the Governor and creates a “rainy day fund” to allow legislators to put aside extra money for pension payments.
• Report: Retirement Security Often Overlooked in Conversation Around Oklahoma Teacher Shortage by Tyler Bond
  • Local coverage of report 

Pennsylvania – still in session

• A bill that would move state employees to a stacked hybrid passed the House but has stalled in the Senate.

Wisconsin – win!

• A bill passed that allows municipalities that do not currently offer pensions to offer pensions through the Wisconsin Retirement System.  This is a great proactive win that will expand access to pensions in Wisconsin.

Wyoming – win!

• The legislative session in Wyoming ended without any harmful pension legislation being introduced.  Pensions were fully funded in the budget.