As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, on behalf of the TEXPERS Board of Directors, I want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued engagement and dedication to the Association's mission. Your support and involvement are the cornerstones of TEXPERS' success, and we are truly thankful for each of you.

New training rules will be in place beginning Jan. 1, 2025, ensuring that pension trustees and administrators are fully prepared for the challenges of managing public pension funds.

Welcome back to our weekly roundup, where we highlight the latest and most impactful news in pensions, investments, and the broader economic landscape. This week brought significant events, including new policy updates affecting retirement funds, shifts in market conditions, discussions around local pension plans, and even a dash of professional development. Staying informed is crucial for anyone involved in the pension world, whether you're a trustee, manager, or advocate for retirement security.

Welcome to this week's roundup of recent developments impacting the retirement systems landscape. As trustees and administrators of public employee pension systems, staying abreast of these ongoing issues can help shape your decision-making and inform you of potential changes across Texas and beyond. Below are a few key updates.

Donald Trump's re-election to the U.S. presidency and the Republican Congressional wins have introduced a wave of uncertainty and opportunity for leaders of public employee pension systems. With significant changes likely on the horizon for tax policies, trade tariffs, retirement benefits, and investment regulations, it's crucial for those managing the funds of active and retired annuitants to stay informed. This article unpacks how these potential policy shifts could impact public pensions and the broader retirement landscape, providing valuable insights for stakeholders navigating this evolving environment.

The results are in, and we're getting ready for some changes in the upcoming 89th Legislative Session, which kicks off on Jan. 14, 2025.

On Jan. 1, administrators and trustees of public employee retirement systems will have new rules regarding the state's Minimum Educational Training requirements. In this post will explain why this happened and provide tips on the next steps you need to take.

As trustees, administrators, and stakeholders of public employee retirement systems across Texas, your role in safeguarding sensitive data is more important than ever. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an international initiative that educates everyone about online safety and empowers individuals and organizations, including pension funds, to protect their data from cybercrime.

A recent cyber-fraud incident at the University of California's retirement savings program, administered by Fidelity Investments, underscores the ongoing threat that cybercriminals pose to retirement systems. 

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues throughout October, TEXPERS, a National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) Champion, is focused on empowering public employee pension system leaders, investment professionals, and vendors to recognize and report phishing threats. Phishing poses a serious risk to sensitive financial data and operations within pension systems. Understanding these threats is crucial to protecting pension funds and the personal data of retirement system members.

October marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the theme for this year, "Secure Our World," emphasizes the collective responsibility we all share in defending our digital lives. In continuing the second week of the campaign, the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems is focusing on the importance of multifactor authentication as a critical tool in strengthening the security of online accounts.

Pension fund trustees, administrators, and investment firms think about investing in more than just maximizing returns—many people want their investments to promote gender equality. But is it actually possible to close the gender pay gap by investing in companies that claim to be socially responsible? As Eleanor Greene from Green America noted in her 2024 blog post, "The global gender pay gap will now take 136 years to close, and this setback highlights the importance of making informed investment decisions that prioritize gender equality." This stark reality urges TEXPERS members to examine whether their investments can truly make a difference.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month, co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has raised awareness about digital security since 2004. As it enters its 21st year, the focus has shifted from simply increasing awareness to driving actionable steps that individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can take to protect themselves against cyber threats.

Passwords: They're the first line of defense against cybercriminals and data breaches, but creating, storing, and remembering them can be a real pain. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems is joining the National Cybersecurity Alliance to raise awareness about simple yet powerful ways to strengthen digital security. As a National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion, TEXPERS is part of a global initiative to promote online safety and security. We're excited to share resources that can help our members protect their personal and professional data from cybercrime.

In a world where snap judgments often guide our decisions, a new study by researchers at Duke University offers a compelling case for pausing before making critical choices. According to the research recently published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, delaying decision-making can reduce the chances of making rash judgments based on first impressions. This is particularly relevant for members of TEXPERS, as the stakes in managing public pensions demand careful deliberation, not hasty conclusions.

As Texas prepares for its 89th Legislative Session, state agencies submit their Legislative Appropriations Requests (LARs), shaping the state's budget for the next biennium. These requests will be discussed during upcoming Legislative Budget Board (LBB) budget hearings, providing a crucial opportunity to assess how public resources will be allocated. These hearings are essential for leaders of public employee retirement systems, particularly as they pertain to financial management, state workforce needs, and pensions.

The Texas Legislature is preparing for several interim hearings that could have significant implications for public employee pension systems and the broader state economy. As TEXPERS system members, staying informed on these proceedings is crucial to understanding potential changes affecting retirement funds and financial planning. Here's a breakdown of upcoming Senate and House committee hearings you might find relevant.

The upcoming state and federal elections in Texas could shape the future of pensions, Social Security, healthcare, and other vital issues affecting retirees. That’s why ensuring your members are registered to vote is more important than ever. The deadline to register is fast approaching on Oct. 7, and their voices need to be heard!

Today is National Cheeseburger Day, and while you're out enjoying one of Texas' favorite meals, it's the perfect time to honor the public employees who make our communities safer and stronger. Whether it's a firefighter, teacher, police officer, or another first responder, there are simple ways to show appreciation. Plus, several Texas restaurants offer deals you can take advantage of if you're a public employee or treating one! Here's how to celebrate and make the most of the day.