Maryland Teachers to Push Pension Proposal

Improved fiscal outlook may increase chances for legislative victory.

Kay Francis, a teacher at Severn Elementary School in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County district, had dreamed of retiring in 2005. The 66-year-old grandmother planned to travel to see family and friends, rent out a room in her house, and perhaps do some tutoring to supplement her pension.

But the dream evaporated when she realized last year what her pension would be.

“With the pension check I would make a little over $1,000 a month—that’s less than the payment on my home mortgage,” said Ms. Francis, who has taught in Maryland for 20 years and makes $61,000 a year. She now says she won’t be able to retire...