John Iekel

If bills before both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature are enacted, America’s Dairyland will have a retirement plan marketplace to connect individuals and small employers with retirement plans offered by private financial services firms. ​ Sen. Melissa Agard (D-Madison) introduced SB 1035 in... READ MORE

Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley on March 20 outlined steps the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be taking to address overpayments and underpayments. The announcement came during his testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Aging regarding the current state of the Social... READ MORE

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Director Gordon Hartogensis defended PBGC actions and said that it is “providing crucial pension relief” in a March 20 appearance before the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. The subcommittee, part of the House Education and... READ MORE

The Illinois Senate may vote soon on a bill that would require school districts in the Land of Lincoln that offer their employees a 403(b) plan to enter into a contract with only one vendor in the plan. On Feb. 14, 2024, Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) introduced language for SB2568 stating... READ MORE

The IRS has confirmed that they expect to fix a system-wide glitch that has resulted in improperly withheld refunds of erroneous penalties related to Form 8955-SSA filings.  Kelsey Mayo, the American Retirement Association’s Director of Regulatory Policy, reports that some plan sponsors’ refunds... READ MORE

A Georgia Senate Committee has favorably reported a bill that would require a fiduciary of a retirement plan funded wholly or in part by public funds to put the interests of participants and their beneficiaries ahead of “nonpecuniary interests” such as social, political, or ideological concerns. ... READ MORE

Illinois Rep. Charles Meier, in an interview with ASPPA Connect, has outlined how the rules concerning the participation of members of volunteer fire departments (VFDs) in Illinois Secure Choice would change if a bill he introduced is enacted.  Meier (R-Highland), who serves as Assistant... READ MORE

Home and community-based services employees would be able to participate in Minnesota Secure Choice if a bill introduced in the state House of Representatives is enacted.  Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-40A) introduced HF 4248 on Feb. 26. The legislation would amend the law creating the Minnesota Secure... READ MORE

Editor’s Note: This is part II of a two-part series. Part I is available here.  Generation Z is looking ahead and shows a healthy regard and respect for their financial future, long-term. Studies show that they have a strong interest in financial literacy, saving and employer-provided retirement... READ MORE