Welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Pensions! We have gathered the best stories about pensions and retirement security from the previous week. This is the news you need to know in the fight for a secure retirement.
Three New Unions Join the Ohio Public Pension Coalition
The Ohio Public Pension Coalition (OPPC) announced this week that three additional unions — the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH, and the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA) — have joined the growing coalition working to protect retirement security for Ohio’s public servants. The expansion builds on the coalition’s launch just five months ago, strengthening its position as a united voice for public workers across Ohio.
“Retirement security is a promise to the workers who keep us safe, educate our children, and provide for our communities day in and day out,” said Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO President. “As this coalition expands, it shows that Ohioans from all walks of life are dedicated to keeping that promise.”
“Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to protecting our communities,” said OPBA Executive Director Tom Austin. “A secure retirement is not a luxury — it’s a critical part of the promise made to those who serve. We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other unions to defend that promise.”
“Our members work on the frontlines every day, serving the people of Ohio — from parole officers and librarians to Head Start teachers and healthcare staff in our state institutions. They deserve the peace of mind that comes with a secure and stable retirement,” said SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH President Becky Williams. “Joining this coalition is about protecting that security and making sure their years of service are honored.”
“Faculty and academic professionals dedicate their careers to educating the next generation,” said AAUP Ohio Conference Executive Director Jennifer Tisone Price. “Retirement security is a fundamental part of the promise we make to those who commit their lives to that work, and we are proud to join this coalition to help ensure that promise is kept.”
The three new unions join the coalition’s six original unions — the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), the Ohio Education Association (OEA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters (OAPFF), AFSCME Ohio Council 8, and the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE), as well as the Ohio AFL-CIO and the National Public Pension Coalition (NPPC).
Pension Funds Get Healthier, Ushering in New Challenges
A recently released analysis from Milliman shows that public pension funding levels have reached the highest average funded status on record, estimated at 84.7% as of November 30, 2025. The findings provide an important counterpoint to ongoing narratives portraying defined benefit pensions as financially unstable, demonstrating continued systemwide recovery and resilience.
Being well-funded brings new challenges. Segal pension actuary Todd Tauzer notes in Chief Investment Officer, contribution rates often drop after debts are paid down.
“All of a sudden, you’re taking in a lot less in contributions, but you’re still paying out just as much—or more—in benefits,” Tauzer said.
Tauzer is right to issue a warning. States like Washington, Oklahoma, and Colorado have recently proposed skipping pension payments or tapping into pension funds for other expenses.
To keep up to date on legislation around the nation, check out the NPPC legislation tracker.
Federal Benefit Levels, Inferior to State and Municipal Employers
This week, Tammy Flanagan analyzed Federal Benefits in Governing. Flanagan summarized recent proposals in the “Big Beautiful Bill” of 2025, which included: Reducing the federal government’s contribution to FEHB plans, eliminating cost-of-living adjustments for FERS retirees, increasing employee retirement contributions, and calculating annuities based on the highest five years of salary instead of three.
Overall, federal benefits are largely inferior to those of state and local government employers. The recent federal cuts could have long-term effects on retirement security. Data from the National Women’s Law Center finds that women and people of color make up the bulk of those affected by the White House’s aggressive layoffs. Some states are making a deliberate effort to hire former federal employees impacted.
Be sure to check back next Friday for the latest news in the fight for a secure retirement! For now, sign up for NPPC News Clips to receive daily pension news from across the country directly to your inbox.