Almeida, BethKenneally, KellyMadland, David2023-05-232023-05-232008-09-012019-08-08https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/43676State and local pensions have been a cost-effective way to ensure that those retiring from public service will have adequate retirement income after a lifetime of work. Despite their strengths, opposition to public pensions has emerged in recent years. This chapter examines the economics of public pensions and outlines the role of public perceptions, politics, and interest groups in the public pension debate.© 2008 Pension Research Council of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.EconomicsWorking Paper