2021 State Facilitated Retirement Savings Program Network (SRSPN)
On February 17 and 18, 2021, the CRI hosted is annual invitation-only 2021 State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Program Network (SRSPN) Annual Conference. This virtual two-day event brought together a terrific group of leading policymakers and practitioners, including two dozen states, for a series of panel discussions about program design, implementation strategies, and lessons learned related to state-facilitated retirement savings programs.
During this year’s conference, the Georgetown University Center for Retirement Initiatives (CRI) released state-level analysis of the benefits of expanding worker access to save for retirement by adopting state-facilitated auto-IRA programs. This latest CRI report was completed in conjunction with Econsult Solutions, Inc., and funded by a generous grant from the Berggruen Institute.
The report includes fact sheets and data tables for all 50 states and the District of Columbia that provide information about key state-specific metrics, including demographic trends related to the aging of the population, size of the retirement savings access gap, projected growth in savings with auto-IRA programs, and economic and fiscal benefits to a state of adding new savers.
State-by-state two-page fact sheets are also accessible through CRI’s new interactive map.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Setting the Stage: Understanding the Problem, Program Design, and Legislative Strategy
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Closing the Access Gap: State-by-State Analysis of the Challenges and Benefits of State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Programs
- Angela Antonelli, Research Professor and Executive Director, Georgetown University Center for Retirement Initiatives
- Ethan Conner-Ross, Senior Vice President and Principal, Econsult Solutions Inc.
11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
1. Program Models: An Overview and How ERISA and the Tax Code Apply to IRAs and MEPs
Moderator: Sarah Mysiewicz Gill, Associate, Groom Law Group
2. International Updates: Program Lessons and the Impact of COVID
Moderator: David John, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, AARP Public Policy Institute
12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
BREAK
12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
New President, New Congress: What Are Current and Future Reforms, Opportunities, and Risks?
Moderator: Julie Ellsworth, Treasurer, Idaho
1:20 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.
Presentation: 2021 Distinguished State Leader Award
- Presentation of Award: Angela Antonelli, Research Professor and Executive Director, Center for Retirement Initiatives
- Congratulations! Dave Young, Treasurer, Colorado
1:35 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Enacting a New State Program: What Does It Take to Succeed?
Moderator: Dave Young, Treasurer, Colorado
2:25 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Thursday, February 18, 2021
State Programs 2.0: Lessons in Program Implementation and the Evolution of Program Design
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Congratulations — Now Stand Up a New Program: What Are the Most-Critical First Steps in Governance and Staffing?
Moderator: Michael Frerichs, Treasurer, Illinois
11:50 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
Engaging Employers and Employees: What Are They Saying and How Have Strategies and Resources Adjusted in Response?
Moderator: David Damschen, Treasurer, Utah
12:40 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
BREAK
12:50 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.
Managing Costs and Financial Viability: What Are Lessons Learned and Considerations for Structuring Program Financing, Investments, Liquidity, and Partnerships?
Moderator: Colleen Davis, Treasurer, Delaware
1:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
1. The Role of FinTech: How are Private Sector Innovators Using Technology to Reshape the Landscape?
Moderator: John Wasilisin, Executive Director, Maryland$aves
2. Getting to Retirement Income: What Are the Challenges and Possible Solutions?
Moderator: Dr. Yakov Feygin, Associate Director, Future of Capitalism Program, Berggruen Institute
2:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
A Special Thank You to Our Platinum Event Sponsors
The CRI presented its annual Distinguished State Leader Award to Colorado Treasurer Dave Young for his commitment and leadership establishing the new Colorado Secure Savings Program in 2020. We look forward to continuing to work with Treasurer Young and his team and the Colorado program board as they implement their new program.