NASRA: Public pension plans are healthy

The National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA) has a useful guide to the health of the nation's state and local pension plans.

On average, according to NASRA, and contrary to popular misconception, taxpayers do not bear the burden of supporting public pension plans.

In fact, employer (taxpayer) contributions to state and local pension systems make up only one-fourth of revenues. Earnings from investments comprise the majority of public pension fund revenues. Unlike in the private sector, most public employees are also required to contribute to their pension plans. The chart below summarizes the sources of public pension revenue for the 20-year period ending in 2002.

Read the whole thing.