Many expect retirement policy to be a focus of the next Congress. That seems to be supported by recent events. Here are a few:

• The DOL gave a green light to various state retirement plan designs last week, explaining how they can avoid ERISA. State developments like this have a way of influencing the national debate. Remember that stuff about health care in Massachusetts in 2006? Here are the DOL links.
  • (EBSA Fact Sheet)
  • (DOL Proposed Regulations)
  • (DOL Interpretive Bulletin)

The Pension Rights Center is tracking state activity. (Pension Rights Center)  Let us know if you are aware of others. We think these laws could complicate things in a big way for multistate employers, especially those with large part time workforces. Such companies would be well-served by keeping an eye on this one.

Here are a few thoughts on the evolving discussion:

• Will State Run Plans Help Close the Coverage Gap? (PlanSponsor)
• Laying the Groundwork for More Efficient Retirement Savings Incentives (Center for American Progress)
• Who Benefits from the U.S. Retirement System (Investment Company Institute)

There are some important gender issues here too:

• More than half of women “very concerned” about retirement savings (Employee Benefit News)
• Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)