Defined Benefit Pensions
Ninety percent of state and local governmental employees are covered by defined benefit retirement plans. Approximately 25 percent are not covered by Social Security, including close to half of public school teachers and three-quarters of police officers and firefighters.

Twenty-first Century Government
Government workplaces across the country have changed dramatically over the past several years due to changes in technology. Government services are often enhanced by technology changes and the productivity and effectiveness of public employees can be improved by these developments. However, this rapid pace of change also presents some significant challenges that must be addressed if government is to meet its full potential for improving public services.

Attracting and Retaining a First-Class Work Force
In order to continue to provide quality services, government employment needs to be attractive to potential employees. The appeal to new workers has to be more sophisticated and focused given the different goals and attitudes of workers now entering the workforce. Leaders in government and in our union can help to change operating procedures and help promote the jobs that build our communities and strengthen our union.

Funds for Public Services
Over the past three years, state and local budgets have fallen in to the worst deficit since the Depression. Public employees have faced daunting times: layoffs, budgets reductions, hiring freezes and public policy changes that negatively affect the public we serve. As the economy improves, government will need to take proactive steps to improve the tax structures of our local and state governments in order to protect the members and citizens we work for.