70% of millennials say they'd vote for a socialist

[vnatale]

It's not just Socialism, although that's a big part. The out of control public pension system is bankrupting governments on every level (except the Federal, bc they can print money, but it still morphs into higher taxes) but they don't want to change anything bc the public sector unions are huge donors to the politicians.

Well yet another item in which I am in FULL agreement with you!

Politicians are constantly harping how teachers are not paid enough. But if one analyzes the benefits they get, they are among the most HIGHLY paid per hour.

I have a CPA friend who once said to me regarding retirement that there are two types of people: "Those who worry about retirement. And, teachers."



Vinny

Depends on the state...for the state I live in's largest urban area the teachers got north of 15% raises this year...reason; the pay was so poor that no one would do the job anymore and class sizes were getting near 40 students. The average new teacher retention was 2-3 years and parents finally got fed up. The area is served by several school districts and they actually got in a salary bidding war this summer. The free market in action. :-)

I live in Massachusetts and I'd guess that an average elementary school teacher with some years of experience gets paid in the $60,000 - $70,000 range working their 36 weeks of the year. Then upon retirement (after maybe 30 years) gets 80% of that for life and paid health insurance. All of the foregoing is a guess but I'm sure not far off.

Vinny