When it comes to state retirement systems, Wisconsin has the best in the nation, according to one key observer. The Pew Center on the States says that Wisconsin alone out of the 50 states has set aside enough money to meet its promises to public workers. That?s a good reason for the administration of Gov. Scott Walker and other state officials to leave well enough alone as they study the state system. The state Department of Employee Trust Funds and the Walker administration are expected to issue a joint report soon assessing the $77 billion pension funds for both state and local workers and recommending changes. While other states have moved toward 401(k) plans like those offered by private businesses, we think the Pew report and other consistent measures of the Wisconsin pension system?s health suggest that isn?t necessary here. In other words, why fix what?s not broken?
Office of Strategic Communication