Representative Danny Nadeau Champions Educator Pension Reform with Statewide Support
[St. Paul, MN] – Yesterday, Representative Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers) led a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally support for urgent pension reform for educators. Surrounded by teachers, principals, and fellow legislators from across the state, Nadeau outlined a path forward through three targeted bills: House File 1582, House File 2318, and House File 2329.
“Whether you're a teacher, corrections officer, or law enforcement—pensions shouldn't be partisan,” said Nadeau. “Minnesota educators have asked us to act, and it's our job to respond with real, workable solutions.”
House File 1582 would allow teachers to retire with full benefits at age 60 after 30 years of service—costing roughly $245 million annually. House File 2318 provides an unreduced pension at 62 with 30 years of service, at $77 million per year. House File 2329, seen as a stopgap, lowers the special early retirement age from 62 to 60 with a reduced benefit, costing $33 million annually.
“These aren’t abstract numbers,” Nadeau said. “These are real educators in our classrooms—people who have dedicated their careers to kids. Our education system will pay the cost one way or another. Either we invest in teacher retention now, or we deal with higher turnover, larger class sizes, and fewer opportunities for students down the road.”
Nadeau also emphasized fiscally responsible ways to fund the proposals, including redirecting funds from QComp or implementing means-testing for the universal school meal program. Both options would unlock tens of millions of dollars in funding to support long-overdue pension improvements.
Later that same day, Representative Nadeau presented two of the proposals—HF 2318 and HF 2329—before the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. Both bills remain active and under consideration, with the potential to be included in the final end-of-session pension legislation.
“This is about keeping promises and building a strong education system for the next generation,” Nadeau added. “We’ve heard the testimony. We’ve read the emails. The need is clear. Now it’s time to act.”
###