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Browse news and headlines from from around the country. You may also browse our Florida Focus to view news and headlines pertaining to the state of Florida.

Will Public Pension Reforms Reduce Costs?
Since 2008, 46 states have passed pension reforms in an effort to contain costs. But will these measures truly reduce pension costs for public employers? The answer is yes, according to a recent analysis by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. . . . more

Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda: Attack on pensions is hurting Florida
The saga of Florida’s public employees is an important chapter in the larger story of the American middle class. The Florida Retirement System bust being discussed by both chambers of the Legislature is a bad omen. . . . more

NASRA: Public pension funds outperform assumed rates of return
Since 1987, public pension funds have exceeded their assumed rates of investment return, new research shows. . . . more

U.S. public pension holdings highest since 2007 peak: Census
U.S. public pensions reached a milestone in the fourth quarter of 2012 when assets rose to the highest since a peak just before the financial crisis, according to U.S. Census data released on Thursday. . . . more

Lawsuit windfall results in checks in mail for government pension plans
Municipal employee pension funds — some covering general employees, firefighters, police and utilities — across South Florida and the state, are expecting a windfall of cash within the next week as part of a settlement reached with the former Merrill Lynch. . . . more

Cities need flexibility to keep their pension plans affordable
Reform of local government pensions is currently under consideration in the Florida Legislature, as it always seems to be. . . . more

Senate panel OKs version of state pension overhaul
Florida lawmakers in the House and Senate may be on a long road to compromise as they advance starkly different plans on overhauling the state retirement system. . . . more

Fact Check: Will Weatherford says Florida's pension fund needs $500 million for next 29 years to stay 'afloat'
Florida’s retirement system is not sustainable or modern, House Speaker Will Weatherford warned on the opening day of the annual legislative session. . . . more

Kingsley Guy: Pensions adjustment long overdue
Private corporations realized decades ago that fixed, "defined benefit" pensions created long-term financial liabilities that could threaten their competitiveness, and even their survival . . . more

We asked you: Should Florida end traditional pensions for new public employees?
We asked you: Should Florida end traditional pensions for new public employees? YES 45% NO 55% (Editor's note: There were no comments supporting an end to traditional pensions.) . . . more

Florida Pension Changes Rooted in ALEC Model Legislation
A new plan that would overhaul the state’s pension system can be traced back to the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, The Palm Beach Post reported this week. . . . more

4 Myths About Public Pension Retirees
True, there have been plenty of headline-grabbing cases of public-sector retirees with seemingly over-generous pensions -- But the fact is that most public retirees enjoy modest lifestyles. . . . more

Defined-benefit retirement plans are sustainable [Op-Ed Response]
The Seattle Times editorial “Replace public pensions with contribution plan” [Opinion, Feb. 28] is wrong. Defined-benefit retirement plans are sustainable. . . . more

Illinois settles SEC fraud charges over pensions
Illinois has agreed to settle federal charges alleging the state misled investors about the financial health of its public pension system, the US financial regulator has said. . . . more

Public Pension Crisis Faces Pa., State Sen. Bob Mensch Says
In an op-ed, State Sen. Bob Mensch states that 'in a nutshell, public employee pension plans face a $41 billion gap between their assets and liabilities. . . . more

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