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. 

The Texas Pension Review Board (PRB) is a state agency that oversees all Texas public retirement systems, both state and local, regarding their actuarial soundness and compliance with state reporting requirements. The PRB provides pensioners and fund managers with news, education, and guidance. The next Texas Pension Review Board meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the William P. Clements Building in Austin, Texas.

Feb. 20 was World Day of Social Justice, a poignant moment for us at the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (TEXPERS) to reflect on the profound impact of pension systems in fostering social and economic justice across the Lone Star State.

The Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems is excited to announce that Polen Capital, a global asset manager, is the Lanyard Sponsor of the TEXPERS 2024 Annual Conference.

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, Texas voters will soon have the opportunity to cast their ballots in the March 5 primary elections. The primary elections are how Texas' political parties decide who ends up on the general election ballot in November. The results will have significant implications for the state's future of public policy, politics, and government.

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Whova, an award-winning event app and event management software, to provide you with a seamless and engaging experience at the TEXPERS 2024 Annual Conference, which will take place on April 7-10, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, in Downtown Dallas, Texas.

National Poverty in America Awareness Month is observed every year in January. This observance aims to recognize the severe conditions of poverty that many people live in. It provides an opportunity to learn more about this social issue, raise awareness among others, and understand how everyone can help.

Alva Littlejohn, who served on the Lubbock Fire Pension for 32 years and as a firefighter for 29 years in the City of Lubbock, died on Dec. 11, 2023. Family and friends remembered him during a visitation on Dec. 17 and funeral services on Dec. 18. He was 79.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute recently published an Issue Brief titled Shining a Spotlight on Caregivers in the Workplace: Findings from the 2023 Workplace Wellness Survey. The brief examines the retirement prospects, knowledge, preparations for retirement, and retirement experiences for unpaid caregivers versus those who do not provide this care. 

TEXPERS' Board of Directors has decided to close the Association's leased office space. The board made this decision considering changing work environments and TEXPERS' desire to reduce costs and increase efficiency. TEXPERS staff will continue to work remotely, and we assure you that this change will not affect our services or operations. We will continue to serve you with the same dedication and professionalism as always.  

The Texas Pension Review Board, which oversees the implementation of legislative requirements for the minimum educational training of public retirement fund trustees and administrators, is reviewing its program needs and is asking for feedback from pension system leaders and the public.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I want to thank the Texas state and local government employees who have dedicated their careers to serving their communities. These public servants have positively impacted the lives of millions of Texans, from teachers and firefighters to police officers and metro workers. They deserve our respect and appreciation for their hard work and sacrifice.

November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of the indigenous people of the Americas. It is also a time to acknowledge their important contributions to the public sector, such as health, education, conservation, and governance.

A panel of four actuaries who work with pension funds across Texas and the U.S. shared their insights and experiences on various topics, such as city participation, intensive reviews, and benchmarking, at the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) Education Foundation Conference on Oct. 3, 2023. The panel was moderated by David Fee, the staff actuary for the Texas Pension Review Board (PRB). Getting municipalities to increase their participation was the hot topic of the panel.

Kendall S. Thomas, Sr., a prominent public employee retirement sector figure, died on Oct. 11, 2023. He was a longtime member of the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems, including serving as a former board member. 

The Federal Reserve Report on Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022 indicates Americans' progress toward retirement savings goals declined. October is National Retirement Security Month, which encourages individuals to consider their retirement goals and take action to secure them. A Texas public employee pension system is ideal for guiding its annuitants through the process. 

The Texas Pension Review Board is reviewing several of the state agency's key rules and seeking public input.

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.

With a commitment to furthering the progress he says was achieved during the 88th Regular Legislative Session and two preceding special sessions this summer, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Oct. 5 unveiled his agenda for the third legislative special session of the year. The special session starts at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9.