Public Policy

4 Reasons Why 401k Auto Portability Can’t Wait

Writing in 401k Specialist Magazine, RCH's Tom Hawkins makes the case that auto portability can wait no longer and cites four key reasons that the new "automatic" feature should be adopted. Hawkins' key reasons include: 1) cashout leakage isn't waiting, 2) the "Great Resignation" is accelerating, 3) policy initiatives that expand access to workplace retirement plans require auto portability to realize their intended benefits, and 4) auto portability is here, now and working.

Previously featured in Consolidation Corner

Graff’s Path: The ARA CEO on Bipartisanship, the Coverage Gap and What’s Next for the Organization

To mark the 25th anniversary of his tenure, Brian Graff, CEO of the prestigious American Retirement Association (ARA) sat down with 401k Specialist Editor-in-Chief John Sullivan to discuss a range of topics, including the organization's history of effectively influencing retirement legislation. During the interview, the pair turned to the important topic of addressing 401(k) cashout leakage, where Graff voiced his clear view that auto portability represents the best approach to solving the problem.

EDITORIAL: Scott plan can help retirees, fill positions

An editorial piece in the Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, SC) opines on the plan recently announced by U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), to address gaps in the retirement savings system. Scott, who himself has 25 years of professional experience in the insurance and financial services industry, sets forth a series of proposals in his report, which include "codifying auto-portability regulations to prevent leakage." The piece quotes Scott as saying he looks forward "to discussing the reforms and more so we can ensure that all Americans have the tools necessary to retire with dignity and independence during their golden years.”

401k Cashout Leakage, Auto Portability Featured in Senate Committee Hearing

Writing in 401k Specialist Magazine, RCH's EVP of Public Policy Renee Wilder Guerin breaks down the 10/28/21 hearing held by the Senate Special Committee on Aging -- A Financially Secure Future: Building a Stronger Retirement System for All Americans -- and found it to be highly-focused on solving the problems of cashout leakage, as well as advancing its most promising solution, auto portability. Re-capping key testimony and Q&A from the hearing (including excerpted video), Wilder Guerin concludes that lawmakers are more focused than ever on solving retirement savings problems for under-served and under-saved demographic segments.

Senate committee talks retirement system issues, solutions at hearing

Pensions & Investments Washington, DC reporter Brian Croce covers the 10/28/21 hearing by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. In his analysis, Croce mentions testimony provided by RCH President & CEO Spencer Williams on auto portability, as well as the support expressed for the feature by Ranking Member Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). Croce writes that Scott also used the hearing to announce the release of a report by his office expressing support for auto portability and other policies.

Senate committee looks at America’s ‘piecemeal’ retirement system

Kathleen Steele Gaivan of McKnight's Senior Living reports on the 10/28/21 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging entitled “A Financially Secure Future: Building a Stronger Retirement System for All Americans,” which examined potential solutions to close retirement gaps and expand financial security for America’s workers. Gaivan examines the testimony of key witnesses before the Committee, including RCH President & CEO Spencer Williams, who addressed the need to preserve retirement savings for job-changing Americans, and to encourage the adoption of auto portability.

Sen. Tim Scott Releases Report on Retirement Security and Features Auto Portability

On 10/28/21 Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Ranking Member of the U.S. Special Committee on Aging, released a report entitled The American Dream in our Golden Years: Improving Retirement Security and Building Independence, which addressed the issues, challenges and "solutions for the future to help millions of Americans save for retirement and enjoy their golden years." Scott's paper singled out auto portability as one of those solutions, having "opened the door for millions of Americans to start setting money aside for retirement."

Americans Doing “Quite Well” Saving For Retirement Says Senate Aging Committee Lead Republican

Forbes' reporter Ted Knutson covers a new report released by Sen. Tim Scott's office, which examines a range of retirement security topics, and addresses the problem of cashout leakage. In the report, Knutson notes Sen. Scott's support for auto portability, and references the recent U.S. Senate Special Committee hearing.