Description |
State government Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) are studied extensively in Economic and Financial literature regarding their history, fund solvency, management standards and governance practices; yet research in State PERS is relatively new in Political Science;. State PERS‘ funds are generated from taxpayer, employee contributions, and investment earnings and are accruing immense liabilities for the future. All State PERS are dependent on one of the largest privatization movements at the state level-the privatization of their fund management through financial professionals. State pension funds rely on global private markets for investment returns to provide beneficiary pension payments. Given State PERS‘ impact on the global economy, state taxpayer liabilities, and the continuing effects of the 2008-2009 "Great Recession," Political Science; must further investigate State PERS to understand the complexities of their policymaking dynamics. How are State PERS managed? This dissertation explains the pressures and concerns in their policymaking environment. Ultimately it shows how State PERS meet the standards of governance capacity, accountability and legitimacy within their governance networks. |