Budget

In budget crisis, states take aim at pension costs

Many states are acknowledging this year that they have promised pensions they cannot afford.

Federal News Network Staff

June 21, 2010 1:30 pm

< a min read

Many states are acknowledging this year that they have promised pensions they cannot afford and are cutting once-sacrosanct benefits, to appease taxpayers and attack budget deficits. The New York Times reports that Illinois raised its retirement age to 67, the highest of any state, and capped public pensions at $106,800 a year. Arizona, New York, Missouri and Mississippi will make people work more years to earn pensions. Virginia is requiring employees to pay into the state pension fund for the first time. New Jersey will not give anyone pension credit unless they work at least 32 hours a week.

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