New scholarship argues for recentering interest groups in American politics research. This paper explores their influence through bureaucratic boards governing public pensions, which have significant financial consequences for states, public workers, and taxpayers.

Our Approach

We analyze governance structures typically granting official policymaking authority to union-backed interests.

Key Challenges

These institutions grapple with quantitative decision-making that affects government finances significantly.

Potential Problems

* The study reveals how interest groups gain influence by serving as 'official' participants in pension fund governance.

* This inside access may weaken effective government through union dominance.

Why It Matters

Future research should examine variations across agencies, different governance structures, and the broader implications for understanding group power in American politics.