NPPC Highlights Check out our latest blog, which delves into insights from NIRS’ recent report on how Rhode Island’s shift away from defined benefit pensions impacted the turnover trends within the state’s public workforce. Addressing Maine’s Growing Teacher Shortage Maine faces a serious issue–a shortage of teachers in several critical subjects. The Maine Department of Education has identified key areas, such as health, special education, computer science, and others, where the shortage is expected to be particularly severe. Emergency hiring rules are being considered to fill these vacancies ..read more

In recent years, workforce shortages have become increasingly prevalent nationwide, igniting discussions about the pivotal role pensions play in employee retention. This topic has not only captured the attention of the public sector but has also become a prominent debate among major private-sector employers looking to return to pensions to boost their shrinking workforce. Amidst this crisis, the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) has recently released a compelling report shedding light on turnover trends in Rhode Island. This report delves into the 2011 changes made to the Employ ..read more

Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions! We have gathered this week’s top stories about pensions and retirement security all in one place. This is the news you need to know. A new survey shows Americans have increased their retirement “Magic Number” Northwest Mutual released their latest survey findings, revealing that Americans anticipate needing at least $1.46 million in retirement savings to sustain quality of life in their golden years. The figure, which is a 15% increase over the previous year’s survey, showcases the population’s expectations based on a dramatically increas ..read more

Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions!  We have gathered this week’s top stories about pensions and retirement security all in one place. This is the news you need to know in the fight for a secure retirement. In Case You Missed It… As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’ve highlighted four trailblazers who have helped shape public employment in our newest blog, Celebrating Women’s Contributions to the Public Sector: Trailblazers Who Paved the Way.  An act of fiscal responsibility in WyomingWyoming state lawmakers have taken a significant step toward safeguard ..read more

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we at NPPC want to spotlight several remarkable women who made significant contributions to the public sector, broke barriers, and inspired future generations. These four trailblazers have left an indelible mark on their respective fields, demonstrating courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Elizabeth Duncan Koontz (1919-1989): Champion of Equality in Education Elizabeth Duncan Koontz was a vanguard for equality in education. She was the first Black head of the National Education Association (NEA) and led the way in promoting human and civil ..read more

Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions!  We have gathered this week’s top stories about pensions and retirement security all in one place. This is the news you need to know in the fight for a secure retirement. In Case You Missed It… State legislative sessions around the country are in full swing. To catch up on the latest bills and activities we are monitoring, check out our latest blog, Pension Legislation Updates: Paving the Way Forward.Public Employee Shortages in Every Corner of the CountryThe research is clear–pensions help to recruit and retain public employees. How ..read more

Anchorage School District Seeks to Hire Retired Teachers to Help School Vacancies The Anchorage School District is considering hiring retired teachers on a full-time basis for the first time to tackle its teacher shortages, due to the difficulty in finding qualified applicants. Addressing recruitment and retention challenges has become a top priority with approximately 400 unfilled staff positions as of January and over 600 open positions listed on the district’s job board. This strategy comes amidst a broader national teacher shortage, compounded by inadequate retirement benefits, lower salar ..read more

In the ongoing saga of retirement planning, the shift from traditional pensions to more volatile 401(k) plans has left many Americans feeling uncertain about their financial futures. Sara Schambers, a Ford auto worker and fourth-generation union member, exemplifies the concerns shared by countless individuals longing for the security of guaranteed retirement income as they navigate retirement without the safety net enjoyed by previous generations. Despite her dedication, she finds herself without the same assurances her grandparents enjoyed. Her recent testimony before Senate leaders in Washin ..read more

Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions! This is the news you need to know in the fight for a secure retirement. We have gathered the top stories about pensions and retirement security from the previous week. NPPC Highlight Women’s History Month presents an opportunity to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of women throughout our nation’s history. However, it also serves as a time to reflect on areas where advancements in gender equality are still needed. Check out our latest blog, which delves into a critical aspect of women’s financial well-being: ensuring a secu ..read more

Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions!  We have gathered this week’s top stories about pensions and retirement security all in one place. This is the news you need to know in the fight for a secure retirement. In Case You Missed It… Staffing shortages in schools across the country continue to impact students, teachers, and communities. Our latest blog discusses the impact and nuances of educator shortages across the country. Read about it here. 83% of Americans Agree that Pensions are Necessary This week, the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) released its ..read more