The Pension Review Board has launched a new online continuing education course: “Texas Systems Reporting and Compliance.” This course is designed to help system administrators and trustees understand the agency's public pension oversight, reporting requirements, and compliance best practices—all from the convenience of an online platform.
Joseph Gagen is the featured speaker for the upcoming Legislative Advocacy Workshop hosted by the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (TEXPERS) on Feb. 4 and 5, 2025, at the Hyatt House Austin/Downtown in Austin, Texas. This two-day event equips trustees and administrators with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for the protection and sustainability of defined benefit plans during the 89th Texas Legislature.
The U.S. Senate today, Dec. 21, overwhelmingly passed the Social Security Fairness Act with a 76-20 bipartisan vote, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These longstanding federal policies have denied nearly 3 million public employees, including police officers, firefighters, postal workers, and teachers, their full Social Security benefits.
Welcome to this week's roundup of the most impactful developments in pensions, investments, and the broader economic landscape. As we monitor trends shaping retirement systems and public employees' financial well-being, it's equally important to keep a pulse on economic shifts influencing these sectors. Here's what caught our attention this week:
In the wake of persistent economic uncertainties, the latest Retirement Confidence Survey released by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research reveals a mixed sentiment among American workers and retirees.
March 12, 2024, is Equal Pay Day, and it's imperative to pay attention to the disparity in wage rates between men and women and the implications for retirement security.
On Oct. 6, Americans across the country celebrate German-American Day, a day dedicated to honoring the rich cultural heritage and contributions of German-Americans to the United States. While many may associate German-Americans with their delicious cuisine, beautiful music, and strong work ethic, it's essential to recognize their significant role in public service. German-Americans have a long history of serving as public employees, contributing to the U.S. economy, and strengthening our communities. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of this contribution and why it is crucial to protect the pensions of those who serve as public employees.
Are you ready for an unforgettable experience that combines professional development, networking opportunities, and the chance to celebrate three decades of excellence in pensions? Look no further than the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (TEXPERS) 35th Anniversary Conference, set to take place from April 7 to 10, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas, Texas.
Good news. Congress is avoiding a government shutdown, at least through Nov. 17. As news of a government shutdown captures headlines nationwide, it might seem like a distant issue for those entrusted with managing Texas public employee pension systems. After all, the daily operations of pension systems are largely independent of federal politics, right? Well, not quite. In this blog post, we'll explore why any potential government shutdown should concern trustees and administrators of public employee pension systems and why staying informed is crucial for safeguarding the financial futures of countless retirees.
Congress raised the debt limit this year to prevent a government default. They are working to agree on next year's budget by Sept. 30.
Parents' Day, observed this year on Sunday, July 23, is a special occasion that allows us to express gratitude and appreciation for our parents' love, sacrifices, and guidance. While we often celebrate this day by showering them with gifts and affection, it is also an opportune time to reflect upon the significance of a secure retirement for our elderly parents. In this blog post, we will explore why Parents' Day serves as a timely reminder to prioritize and ensure our aging parents' financial well-being.
On June 29, the Texas Pension Board received updates on the recent progress and changes pension funds have made. The City of Midland and pension officials presented their case at the beginning of the meeting, and PRB staff actuary David Fee followed on with additional reports:
The author of a new brief from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College finds that state and local pension plans should focus on stabilizing their pension debt as a share of the economy rather than full funding. The alternative of fully prefunding state and local pensions to maintain fiscal sustainability will mean big contribution hikes.
There is a bill on the Texas Senate Calendar for April 19 that relates to the fiduciary responsibilities of the governing bodies of public retirement systems in the state and their investment managers and proxy advisors.
The Texas House Committee on Pensions, Investments and Financial Services is holding a public hearing at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 12 in E2.014 of the Capitol Building.
We've sold out of our room block at the Austin Marriott Downtown, the official hotel venue for the TEXPERS' 2023 Annual Conference, April 2-5 in Austin, Texas!
TEXPERS is holding Basic and Advanced training on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Austin Marriott Downtown, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St.
When you attend a pensions and investment conference, taking notes can be invaluable. Jotting down notes will help you remember topics and ideas for managing the secure retirement of your fund's annuitants.
State and local government public pensions weren't among Gov. Greg Abbot's State of the State address on Feb. 16; however, he did discuss the importance of the public education system in Texas, touted previous increases to teacher pay, and said the current legislative session could do even more for the educational system and teachers.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced committee assignments on Feb. 8, naming Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Keller, chair of the Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services.
