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 you the very best.

Steven Allen, MRPEA President