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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (40 results)

  • Article
Recent Work (2017)

This blog post is the second in a two-part series explaining why recent studies claiming that teachers are better off with 401(k)s than pensions because of distributional issues and lower benefits for early leavers are misleading in their representation of the teaching workforce, and in how they compare retirement benefits.

    • Article
    Recent Work (2016)
    Currently, only 45% of private sector employees in California have access to a pension or 401(k) at work. Low-wage workers, small business employees, and Latinos are least likely to have access. Social Security, while crucial, will not provide enough to keep such workers out of economic hardship in their golden years.
      • Article
      Recent Work (2018)

      The results of our analysis indicate that the current Kentucky TRS pension is better matched to meet the retirement needs of the teaching workforce than a 401(k)-style plan.

        Cover page: Most Kentucky Teachers Are Significantly Better off with Pensions than 401(k)s
        • Article
        Recent Work (2021)

        This brief examines the economic value of DB pensions—which provide secure monthly retirement income based on salary and years of service—for public employees, employers, and residents in Marin County.

          Cover page: Marin Public Pension Series – Brief #1: How Defined Benefit Pensions Support a Quality Public Sector Workforce in Marin County
          • Article
          Recent Work (2019)

          In this data brief, we highlight the lack of retirement assets among private sector employees and working-age families in California based on the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey and 2014 Survey on Income and Program Participation. It turns out that California private sector workers are not merely behind on saving for retirement; half do not own retirement assets and most are currently not saving for retirement at all.

            Cover page: Half of California Private Sector Workers Have No Retirement Assets
            • Article
            Recent Work (2012)

            The purpose of this research brief is to outline the magnitude and character of the retirement plan coverage gap in California’s private sector and to analyze their implications for state policy aimed at improving retirement income security.

              Cover page: 6.3 Million Private Sector Workers in California Lack Access to a Retirement Plan on the Job
              • Article
              Recent Work (2021)

              Testimony of Nari Rhee before the U.S. DOL ERISA Advisory Council Hearing. The US private sector employer-sponsored retirement system leaves out many workers, disproportionately impacting Blacks and Latinos. While some states have forged their own path to try to close this coverage gap, these efforts are limited in scope by ERISA preemption. Federal policy action is necessary so that all workers are covered by a plan that effectively prepares them for a financially secure retirement.

                Cover page: Testimony: Gaps in Retirement Savings Based on Race, Ethnicity and Gender
                • Article
                Recent Work (2022)
                This brief is intended to help policymakers and the public better understand the financial standing of Marin County’s public pension systems, the role of legacy liabilities vs. ongoing benefit accrual in employer pension costs, and the current trajectory of these costs.
                  Cover page: Marin Public Pension Series – Brief #2: Understanding the Financial Status, Cost, and Sustainability of Public Pensions in Marin County
                  • Article
                  Recent Work (2018)

                  In order to have meaningful retirement security, America’s low-wage workers don’t just need an effective way to save—they also need a raise. The State of California is leading the way by providing both.

                    • Article
                    Recent Work (2021)
                    This brief examines the economic value of defined benefit pensions—which provide secure monthly retirement income based on salary and years of service—for public employees, employers, and residents in Marin County.
                      Cover page: How Defined Benefit Pensions Support a Quality Public Sector Workforce in Marin County
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