In a Forbes column, NIRS Executive Director Dan Doonan outlines what Alaskans could expect if the state were to move forward with a return to pensions for its public workforce.
Currently. Alaska is an outlier state when it comes to retirement benefits, offering only 401(k)-style defined contribution (DC) benefits to its workers. Alaskans who deliver essential public services lack a defined benefit (DB) pension plan, and teachers do not even participate in Social Security. Not only are these workers at an extreme financial security disadvantage, but the state also faces a highly problematic shortage of public workers – including teachers and public safety employees.