Smart Talk: Sen. Corman on pensions; Author of The Eureka Factor
Photo by Scott LaMar/WITF
What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, May 15, 2015:
A $53 billion unfunded liability for the pensions of retired state workers and public school employees would seem to be a recipe for fiscal disaster.
And indeed it is according to some state lawmakers from both parties.
But that’s where much of the agreement ends.
Pensions has become a political issue.
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has said he wants to borrow money to pay down the debt but not touch current benefit packages.
Republicans have a different point of view.
This week, a bill was approved in the Republican dominated Senate which would have no impact on current retirees, but would require current workers to pay more for their benefits, and new hires to switch to a defined contribution or 401K style plan.
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman of Centre County is the bill’s sponsor. He’ll appear on Friday’s Smart Talk.
Also, have you ever had an idea, thought, or insight that popped into your head and left you energized and creative? Neuroscientists John Kounios and Mark Beeman write about it in their new book, The Eureka Factor: Aha Moments, Creative Insight, and the Brain. Kounios, who teaches at Drexel University appears on Friday’s program to discuss the book.
