The three reports in this publication examine the relationship between educators' benefits and state, local, and national economic conditions and policies. The reports had two goals: to encourage educators to consider economic factors in negotiating benefits and compensation, and to demonstrate that employee retirement and health benefits are a long-term commitment for both employer and employee. Decisions made when employees are 25 or 30 years old can influence their well-being 60 years hence. The first report, entitled "Benefits for Educators: What They Need, What They Get," evaluates major features of educators' health and retirement benefits in relation to both prevailing standards and educators' needs. The text is augmented by five data tables. The second report, "Educators' Benefits and State Economies," which is accompanied by several state and regional comparison tables, examines the relationship among state and local economies, government budgets, and the affordability and security of educators' benefits. The third report, "Educators' Benefits and the National Economy," examines the impact of the national economy and federal policies on educators' benefits. The findings of these reports suggest several issues for educators' consideration in evaluating the security and adequacy of their benefits, including inflation protection in retirement plans, retirement plan funding, investment of plan assets, and employee and retiree health care coverage. (MLH)