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National Public Pension Coalition

National Association of State Highway and Transportation Unions Jordan I Marks Truthaboutpensions.org May 22, 2012. National Public Pension Coalition. NPPC National Partners. NPPC Objective & Scope. Defend defined benefit plans as the foundation of a secure retirement.

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National Public Pension Coalition

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  1. National Association of State Highway and Transportation Unions Jordan I Marks Truthaboutpensions.org May 22, 2012 National Public Pension Coalition

  2. NPPC National Partners National Public Pension Coalition

  3. NPPC Objective & Scope National Public Pension Coalition • Defend defined benefit plans as the foundation of a secure retirement. • Track early warning signs • Support Strategic Assessments & Coalition Development • Support Defense Initiatives, Member Education & Mobilization • Develop & Disseminate National Messaging • Synthesize & Distribute Research

  4. The attacks have escalated National Public Pension Coalition • Attacks are broader & better orchestrated • Broader attacks on Government & Public Employees • National Model for Pension Cuts • Struggling State Economies • Labor Must Prepare • Organize Early and Pay Attention to Pensions • Focus on lobbying, communications, member education and mobilization • Engage allies

  5. The landscape reflects National Public Pension Coalition Extreme fiscal conditions in many states Prolonged economic effects of the recession Concerns about the viability & sustainability of public pension systems Investment losses and smoothing have given way to the need for increased contributions Political Landscape and 2010 Elections

  6. 2011-12 State Battles • Rhode Island • Underfunded System • Powerful (and popular treasurer) • Engage Rhode Island Coalition of Business and Service Sector • Labor was Unprepared • Went after existing workers and current retirees • Moved to a 401k style hybrid system • Labor was Never a Part of the Solution National Public Pension Coalition

  7. 2011-12 State Battles • New York • Well Funded System • Popular Governor • Coalition of Business and Service Sector Pushing for Pension Cuts • Proposal to cut benefits and move to 401k Style Plan • Labor Fought Back • Engaged Allies in the Legislature • Exposed Cuts as Extreme • Exposed the Committee to Save New York • Results Were Better Than Expected; no 401k for union members, progressive cuts to benefits National Public Pension Coalition

  8. 2011-12 State Battles • States To Watch • New Hampshire Louisiana • Wyoming • Wisconsin • New Mexico • South Carolina • Minnesota • Michigan • Colorado • Kansas • Ohio • Alabama • Alaska • Nevada • California • Illinois • Florida • Mississippi National Public Pension Coalition

  9. Court Challenges • Arizona Ruled in Labor’s Favor; Over Ruled Rate Swap • Florida Ruled in Labor’s Favor; Over Ruled Contract Violation • Colorado Ruled in States Favor Capping Cost Of Living; Decision on Appeal • New Hampshire Judge Ruled Unconstitutional To Change Vested Employee Agreements

  10. Reframing the Pension Battle • Pensions Not a Sexy Issue • Unsympathetic Press Corp • Politicians Want to Be Seen as White Nights; Taxpayer Vs Greedy Union Bosses • Reframe as fight between Teachers, Nurses, Fire Fighters, Cops VS Politicians and Wall Street

  11. Reframing the Debate National Public Pension Coalition • Change from Taxpayers VS Unions • Move to Teachers VS politicians beholden to Wall Street • Large Financial Firms Spend Millions to promote plan that would make BILLIONS for Wall Street • Wall Street Already Receives Billions in Tax Breaks • Use Opposition Research to Drive Strategy and Rapid Response • Highlight the Fact that Average Pension is $19,000

  12. Reframing the Debate National Public Pension Coalition • Coalitions Should Hold Regular Meetings on Lobbying, Tactics, Organizing and Communications • Make it Clear that Public Employees Support Common Sense Solutions • Line up 3rd Party Surrogates, Economic Validators • Expose the Hypocrisy of Politicians Who Call on Public Servants to Sacrifice but Do Not Sacrifice Themselves • Use Powerful Visuals • Keep it Simple and Avoid Weak Messages

  13. Moving the Dial • Public defined benefit plans must be maintained and seen as a model for broader retirement security • Aggressive local, state and national level action and coordination is key • Broad alliances must be developed • Global messaging is needed to focus the middle class to what is really at stake • Defense is only half the battle

  14. For more information National Public Pension Coalition Jordan I Marks Executive Director National Public Pension Coalition 202-657-1549 (cell) jmarks@nppconline.org Truthaboutpensions.org

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