slides: Rhode Island Pension Battle: Who are the Players?

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor

Rhode Island's public pension fund strategy has continued to come under close scrutiny as of late, as the state nears the two year anniversary of enactment of the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act, which was signed into law by Governor Chafee in November 2011.

From the Wall Street Journal, to Rolling Stone, to Rhodes Scholars --- there is a diverse, informed, and growing list of those who are weighing in on, and impacting, the ongoing pension reform and investment strategy debate in Rhode Island.  

See who the power players are BELOW

At the local level, in the legal sphere, the lawsuit filed by public employee unions continues to move forth challenging the pension overhauls, with court-ordered mediation efforts being undertaken between state and union lawyers since ordered in 2012.

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In the political realm, the hot-button issue promises to play a pivitol role in the 2014 Rhode Island election cycle. Yesterday, former General Treasurer Frank Caprio, in announcing his bid for another go for the office next year, said he would deviate from the state's current pension investment strategy by reducing the use of hedge funds, and money managers, as part of the portfolio if elected.  

In response, Rhode Island General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, who has yet to formally announce her future political aspirations, said, "It's time to stop using pensions as a political football and instead put the best interests of our valuable state employees and teachers first."  

Big Picture

And while turns and developments continue at the local level, Rhode Island's pension reforms -- and current investment strategy -- are seeing increased national attention, with coverage in Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Forbes, and most recently, Rolling Stone.

Today, GoLocal takes a look at the key players involved -- as well as perspectives from local and national experts and pundits.   Who is dictating the conversation -- and where is it ultimately headed?  

Related Articles

• Rhode Island Steers Clear of Hedge Fund Trap
• Should Raimondo Release Contracts with Hedge Funds
• Ted Siedle: Hedge Fund Industry Loves RI Pension—For Good Reason
• AFSCME Taps Forbes Finance Expert to Probe Hedge Fund Investments
• NEW: Caprio Splits with Raimondo on Hedge Funds
• NEW: Siedle Blasts Raimondo for Withholding Hedge Fund Info

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