Texas is one step closer to becoming the first in the U.S. to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a tool the bill's authors claim is to enhance financial resilience, hedge against economic instability, and diversify state assets by leveraging Bitcoin's potential for long-term value appreciation and investment returns.

March 14, 2025, marks the 60th day of the 89th Legislative Session in Texas, which serves as the final deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions, except for local bills, emergency appropriations, or bills declared an emergency by the state's governor. As of the filing deadline, preliminary data from Texas Legislature Online (TLO) indicates that this session has seen a record-breaking number of bills filed compared to previous sessions:

Staying ahead of economic shifts, policy changes, and market movements is crucial for public pension funds, institutional investors, and retirement professionals. This week’s Pensions Outlook covers key legislative updates, including a Texas House committee hearing and the latest TEXPERS 89th TxLege Bill Tracker, along with new Census data on metro growth and a look at the private lending boom reshaping investment strategies. We also explore managing emotions in high-stakes environments and highlight must-attend industry events, including the TEXPERS 2025 Annual Conference with training and networking opportunities for pension leaders.

Staying ahead of economic shifts, policy changes, and market movements is crucial for public pension funds, institutional investors, and retirement professionals. This week's developments highlight a mix of economic optimism, policy initiatives, and investment challenges. Below, we break down key stories shaping the landscape, providing The Story and Why It Matters to help you navigate these changes.

Staying connected to the communities they serve is vital for those who oversee the retirement benefits of Texas' public employees, including the brave men and women in law enforcement. On April 26, 2025, the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony will take place at the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial on the Capitol Grounds in Austin, Texas, offering an opportunity to pay tribute to the fallen officers who dedicated their lives to protecting the public.

The Social Security Administration announced it will begin issuing retroactive payments and increased monthly benefits to more than 3.2 million public sector workers impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset following the repeal of both provisions.

The TEXPERS 2025 Annual Conference is poised to be a landmark event for public employee retirement system trustees, administrators, investment industry vendors, and professionals across Texas. Presented by Dimensional Fund Advisors and hosted from March 30 to April 2, 2025, this premier conference is your gateway to cutting-edge insights, robust networking, and dynamic learning experiences—all designed to propel your career and shape the future of our industry.

Staying ahead of economic shifts, policy changes, and market movements is crucial for public pension funds, institutional investors, and retirement professionals. This week's developments highlight a mix of economic optimism, policy initiatives, and investment challenges. Below, we break down key stories shaping the landscape, providing The Story and Why It Matters to help you navigate these changes.

In observance of President’s Day, the TEXPERS office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Nicholas A. Merrick, chairman of the Dallas Police and Fire Pension Fund (DPFP) Board of Trustees, has been nominated by Pres. Donald Trump as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

On Feb. 13, 2025, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced committee assignments for the 89th Legislature, a decision that will shape the direction of key financial and pension-related policies in the state. Among the most critical assignments for Texas public employee pension system stakeholders is the Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee (PIFS). This committee oversees legislation related to state and local retirement systems, financial institutions, and investment policies that impact pension funds.

The TEXPERS 2025 Annual Conference is just around the corner, and we can't wait to welcome you to Austin, Texas, from March 29 - April 2, 2025! This premier event is your opportunity to network, learn, and stay ahead of the latest trends in public employee pensions and investments.

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.

Keeping Texas public pension trustees and administrators informed on key industry developments.

Staying ahead of economic shifts, policy changes, and market movements is crucial for public pension funds, institutional investors, and retirement professionals. This week’s developments highlight a mix of economic optimism, policy initiatives, and investment challenges. Below, we break down key stories shaping the landscape, providing The Story and Why It Matters to help you navigate these changes.

The Texas Tribune is kicking off an insightful series of events as part of its 2025 Texas Legislature Series. These events promise to deliver in-depth discussions on critical issues shaping the future of Texas. While the programs may not specifically focus on public employees, pensions, or investments, they are packed with valuable insights that can impact all Texans, including TEXPERS members.

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.

As the holiday season approaches, we at TEXPERS want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our members for their unwavering support and dedication throughout 2024. This year has been one of growth, achievement, and community, and it would not have been possible without you.

Welcome to this week’s roundup of essential updates and resources curated specifically for trustees, administrators, and stakeholders in the pension fund and financial governance space. Here are the highlights to keep on your radar: