Dear MRPEA Members, The 2026 Legislative Session has started with a bang. We want to provide you with an immediate update regarding the Senate's action on PERS funding, the facts regarding the numbers, and what we need you to do next. The Good News: Senate Passes $1 Billion Funding Package First, we must acknowledge a positive step forward. The Senate has passed Senate Bill 2004 , the "Mississippi PERS Stability Act." This bill demonstrates that the legislature is listening to our concerns. The plan includes: • A $500 million upfront transfer from the Capital Expense Fund to PERS on July 1, 2026. • An additional commitment of $50 million annually for the next 10 years . • Combined with recent employer contribution increases, this represents a significant step in addressing system funding needs. We thank the Senate for taking this action early in the session. The Facts: We Are Not Out of the Woods While we appreciate the Senate’s swift action, MRPEA believes in full transparency regarding the math. Our analysis compares the Senate’s plan against what the actuaries—the financial experts—recommend to ensure your promised retirement benefits are safe forever. • The Goal: The actuary’s funding policy recommends a path that would get PERS to 99% funding by 2047 . • The Senate Plan : Based on PERS projections, the current Senate proposal would only move the system to approximately 68.8% funding by 2047 . While the Senate bill is a positive move, there is a significant gap between 68.8% and the 99% recommendation. PERS members should request that any final legislation address system funding needs based on actuarial recommendations so that we aren't fighting this same battle again in future years. Call to Action: Contact Your Legislators Now It is early in the session, and this bill must still go through the House. We need you to contact your personal Senator and Representative immediately.  The Message: 1. Thank them for addressing PERS funding early in the session—positivity goes a long way. 2. Share the facts : Respectfully remind them that while the $1 billion is a great start, the numbers show it falls short of the actuarial recommendation for true long-term solvency. 3. Urge them to finish the job : Ask them to support a solution that closes the gap closer to the actuary's recommendation to protect the system for all retirees and current employees. Please make these calls or send emails this week . We must keep this issue in front of them. We are stronger together. Sincerely, MRPEA

2025 Fall Edition of the Guardian is Here!