Steven Gassenberger
Policy Analyst, Reason Foundation
Steven Gassenberger is a policy analyst with Reason Foundation's Pension Integrity Project.
Prior to joining Reason, Gassenberger worked as a consumer advocacy manager for Xerox Corporation specializing in financial consumer regulation and compliance. He also worked as a senior associate for Stateside Associates, where he developed state-level management strategies for a variety of policy areas. Prior to that, held positions at the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
At Reason, Gassenberger has contributed to in-depth analysis of the Arkansas TRS, Florida FRS, Louisiana LASERS, Louisiana TRSL, Mississippi PERS, Montana MPERS, Montana TRS, New Mexico ERB, New Mexico PERA, North Dakota PERS, Texas ERS, and Texas TRS pension systems.
Gassenberger has also presented testimony in Montana, Nebraska, and Texas during state pension reform efforts.
His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal and Business Observer.
Gassenberger recently shared the stage at the Pelican Institute’s Solutions Summit 2.0 with Louisiana State Senator Barrow Peacock, Michigan State Senator Phil Pavlov, and Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist at The American Legislative Exchange Council in discussing “Fostering a Sustainable System for Louisiana.”
Gassenberger graduated from the University of New Orleans with a BA in international relations and received a MA in public policy from Tel Aviv University.
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How to address Montana’s underfunded public pension plans
This analysis explores previous attempts to fund Montana's public pension plans and suggests new policies to consider.
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The Teacher Retirement System of Texas Is in Need of Serious Reform
After prudent reforms to the Employee Retirement System, the Texas legislature is considering bills that ignore the need to reform the Teacher Retirement System.
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These States Are Leading the Way on Pension Reform
State and local leaders seeking to make lasting improvements to government finances should look to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Michigan.
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Landmark Texas Pension Reform Law Tackles Funding Issues, Secures Employees’ Retirement Benefits
Senate Bill 321, the new Texas pension reform law, addresses persistent structural underfunding and will pay down over $14 billion in unfunded liabilities.
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Cash Balance Retirement Plan Would Offer Texas Workers Guaranteed Retirement Benefits
Both traditional defined benefit and cash balance retirement plan designs are examples of guaranteed return retirement plans that provide retirees a protected stream of lifetime income.
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How Would Senate Bill 321 Effect Texas’ Public Employee Recruitment and Retention
Only 14 percent of Texas new hires under 35 today are expected to serve a full career and receive an unreduced retirement benefit.
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Analysis of South Carolina Senate Bill 176
Senate Bill 176 would provide new hires a secure and attractive retirement plan that better protects the state's taxpayers.
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Analysis of Texas Senate Bill 321
Senate Bill 321 could save the state as much as $15 billion in long term costs and ensure that new employees' retirement benefits are fully funded.
