Many assume that mandatory coverage will improve state and local government finances.
Fact:
Mandatory coverage is a massive unfunded Federal mandate on State and local government.
Proponents of mandatory coverage typically seek to minimize its negative impact by suggesting that only 13 (some reports site 15) states have non-covered employees. However, non-covered employees can be found in all 50 states according to data from the Social Security Administration.
It’s estimated that 75% of all public safety officers (police, fire, and correctional personnel) are exempt from Social Security. Additionally, it’s estimated that approximately 40% of America’s public school teachers are also exempt. Nationally, it’s estimated that 6.5over 4.2 million public workers are not covered by Social Security.
As a result, a Federal mandate of this magnitude will likely raise taxes, reduce services and/or undermine the retirement security of millions of public workers throughout all 50 states.
According to research completed by the Segal Company in March of 2021, the cost of this mandate is projected to be a minimum of $35 billion over a five-year period. Segal’s report suggests the total cost could be as high as $50 billion.
Improve the retirement security for millions of public workers.
Reduce the
cost of keeping current pension promises.
Improve state
and local government finances.
Enhance the benefits provided to the public sector workforce.