I'm not sure that we have the data from across the country to show that always works. We've had our issues in the state of Maryland already.

The message is out there that if we are not going to be serious about improving the pension system -- a task that no one can do but the Legislature -- then it's going to cause us trouble.

It's going to go a long way to recognizing the outstanding work done by veteran teachers.

It's 38 percent of their final average salary, which in the United States today, puts us below Guam.

We're very encouraged. Our members are speaking out very loudly in huge numbers, they understand what is at stake. This is the year that the state needs to do it.