Protecting the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
Wisconsin Retirement System is independently rated #1 in the United States. The WRS is a shared risk, defined benefit pension program serving 572,000 active public employees and retirees. The system is fully funded (meaning WRS assets are large enough to cover all expected current and future retirement payments). WRS has provided guaranteed, family-supporting retirement income since 1985. Pensions are paid with participant contributions and investment earnings, not taxpayer dollars. WRS has never failed to meet an obligation or required a taxpayer bailout. The system is also affordable. Wisconsin state and local government spending for pension contributions were 1.26% of total government spending in 2009.
POWRS advocates protecting WRS by monitoring legislative changes and alerting interested persons to potential threats. Follow us on FACEBOOK or sign the PROTECT WRS PETITION to keep informed on issues affecting WRS.
WRS and Its Value to Wisconsin
These POWRS fact sheets provide accurate information about WRS, how it works, who pays for it, how it benefits public employees and it value to the taxpayers of Wisconsin
WRS Fact Sheet
Debunking the Myths about WRS “Reform”
Tinkering with the WRS: Very Bad Idea Without the Facts!
Wisconsin Retirement System: Debunking the Myths
WRS: Needed by Everyone
Political Attacks on WRS
History of Threats to WRS
WRS Under Attack
Secure Retirements for Everyone
“It won’t be there for me” and other myths about retirement
Solidarity on Retirement (Why private sector unions should support WRS)
Other Resources
Public Pension Defense Toolkit (A collaboration between the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems and the National Public
Pension Coalition).