The Employee Benefits Reform Council of Michigan was formed in February of 2010 by Doug Gross and Phil Hiltner who began the process of educating themselves on the intricacies of defined benefit plans offered by the state, municipalities, and school districts. We have had meetings with state representatives, senators, and numerous leadership organizations in the state who have assisted us in building a knowledge base that we seek to share on the internet and in person. We have also met with numerous industry experts to hear their thoughts on employee benefits. Our ultimate goal is to keep our state competitive and to keep jobs in Michigan. We cannot afford to provide Cadillac benefits to retirees that result in the laying off of current employees or having an onerous tax burden on taxpayers that diminishes private sector jobs. A balance must be maintained between taking care of retirees and employing younger workers at reasonable wages.
Doug has worked as a financial planner in the Ann Arbor area for over 15 years. He practiced as a CPA in Toledo after graduating with a business degree from Alma College. Doug received his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1990 and earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification in 1998. As a planner he has reviewed numerous individuals’ retirement situations and has unique insights into an individual’s retirement needs. He has watched the City of Ann Arbor’s retirement plan go from a large surplus to being underfunded over the last 20 years. During the same period the city has reduced staff and services, largely as a consequence to excessive benefit costs. As concerned citizens, we are aware that Ann Arbors problems are shared by many other public entities statewide and feel these issues need to be addressed and better managed.
Phil has always lived in the Great Lakes region and graduated from Denison University in 2009. He expects to graduate from law school in the spring of 2013 and has an interest in public policy issues.