As virtually all states face budget crises, issues of pensions have risen to the forefront. Although there is much that can be done by states to improve and expand pensions for public and private sector workers, current battles over state worker rights, budget crises, and pensions are muddying the issues and facts.
The Feb.28th New York Times Magazine has helpful information scattered throughout an admiring profile of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Christie has won a lot of national attention for his attacks on New Jersey's public unions, especially teachers, but the Times article brushes past several key issues, contributing to the one-sided and partial nature of the national debate on public pensions.