Pensions In The Sunshine State: Avoiding Unintended Dark Clouds
By Dan Doonan Executive Director, National Institute on Retirement Security Source: Forbes Florida lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate retirement plan choice for state employees. The proposed measure would do away with defined benefit pensions for newly-hired employees, offering only a 401(k)-style defined contribution plan. Other states and localities that have implemented dramatic shifts to their public employee retirement plans have experienced unfortunate, unintended consequences – from skyrocketing costs to losing experienced employees who deliver essential public services. [...]