I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your membership
and to welcome all of our new members to the Mississippi Retired Public Employee
Association. MRPEA needs every member. we can get to strengthen our voice as there is
power in numbers. I am asking each of you to continue to reach out to people you know
who are members of the Mississippi Public Employee Retirement System and invite them
to become members of MRPEA. It may be someone you go to church with, work with, or
a family member. The reason most people are not current members is that they are probably
unaware that our organization exists.
There is much work to be done to ensure that our organization is moving
forward and growing. If you have a desire to play a role above and beyond
membership in making that happen, feel free to reach out to our Executive Director,
Emily Pote, and let her know. The Legislature is nearing the end of this year’s Regular
Session. I know many of you contacted your local Senator or Representative and
expressed your desire to continue the current structure of our benefits. Personal
contact with these public servants is very important and key to the success of our
mission to protect the financial security and benefits of PERS for current and future
retirees.
As the pandemic seems to have quieted somewhat, it is my hope that we
are able to hold an annual conference this year. We are currently working on plans
to do this in the event it is possible. We will attempt to create an atmosphere that
is safe as we all need to remain cautious. If a conference is able to take place, I am
hopeful that many of you will be able to attend so we can network together and
learn from one another.
The last two years have been very different and trying for all of us. Many
of our friends and loved ones have tested positive and some have passed away. Our
prayers are with everyone going forward and wish all of you the best.
—Steven Allen, MRPEA President