Alaska educators hired after 2006 have been working under one of the least secure retirement systems in the nation. Most Alaska public employees in TRS III and PERS IV do not have access to a traditional pension, and no TRS III employee participates in Social Security through their work in school districts in the state of Alaska. This combination has had devastating consequences for Alaska’s ability to attract and retain the best and brightest educators for our students.
In preliminary findings from Governor Dunleavy’s Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force, retirement security was identified as one of the top three concerns for both teachers and administrators. Without meaningful reform, Alaska will continue to serve as a training ground for educators seeking experience before leaving for states with stronger retirement systems. This ongoing turnover is estimated to cost the State of Alaska nearly $20 million each year.
Now, after years of advocacy from educators and public employees across the state, HB 78 has advanced through the Legislature with bipartisan support and is headed to the governor’s desk. The bill would restore a defined benefit pension option for Alaska’s public employees and help strengthen recruitment and retention for years to come. Public employees and supporters must continue urging state leaders to support a comprehensive retirement solution that invests in Alaska’s workforce and the future of our public schools.
The Facts:
The Only State
Harms Competition
Increases Turnover
What can you do?
You can take direct action today by contacting Governor Dunleavy and urging him to support HB78 to fix our retirement system. Your stories are powerful! Sharing how Alaska’s retirement system is impacting your family, your school, and your community can make a difference.
Download this flyer to spread awareness on the issue:
Together, we can pass this important legislation and restore a retirement with dignity for all Alaska public employees!
Achieve with NEA-Alaska
