The Wall Street Journal didn't hesitate last week to blame a 2006 law for undermining retirement savings. The last thing we need right now is more sensationalized pessimism, but even the Journal has to compete for readers. And let's face it, the bad news gets more attention.

So we can either dismiss this round of negativity as another ploy for SEO or be grateful it's opened a forum on a legislative side effect that hasn't been resolved.

The article, "401(k) Law Suppresses Saving for Retirement," uses data and expert testimony to infer the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which allows employers to automatically enroll workers in their 401(k) plans, contradicts its intention to bolster saving and instead inadvertently leads to low contribution rates.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical BenefitsPRO information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.