Understanding ERS pension funding

Two new “Funding the Future” videos by ERS provide quick explanations of the issues facing the ERS Retirement Trust Fund. The videos recap the financial condition of the fund, how it got there, and why ERS is different from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. More >>

Who will be the next ERS Trustee?

Cast your ballot by April 10 You can vote in the election, online or by mail, if you are a retired state employee who gets an annuity from ERS. More >>

Executive Director's Corner - Spring 2015

Every legislative session brings uncertainty about what might happen with state employee and retiree benefits. I want to assure you that both ERS and our lawmakers think carefully about how changes will affect employees and retirees before making any decisions. More >>

Face of ERS: Tom Tull

ERS Chief Investment Officer

Recently, actuaries confirmed that the ERS Retirement Trust Fund is in slightly better shape than it was even just a year ago. Those strong returns are due in large part to ERS’ innovative and diverse team of investment professionals, led by Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Charles “Tom” Tull. More >>

Sign up for direct deposit

To sign up, log in to your ERS account online and click the Payment Method link under My Payroll information. More >>

Discount Purchase Program

Your Discount Purchase Program offers great deals on the products and services you need. Protect your home and car with insurance policies. Slim down, get fit with Corporate Fitness Discounts and Retrofit programs. Find deals on pet supplies at Wag.com. Dazzle your special someone with Blue Nile jewelry. More >>

Great-West is now Empower Retirement

If you still have a Texa$aver account, you may have seen the new Empower name replace Great-West. This change is to the name only. It doesn’t affect your account, and you don’t have to do anything as a result of it. More >>

In this issue:

• Understanding ERS pension funding
• Who will be the next ERS Trustee?
• Executive Director's Corner - Spring 2015
• Face of ERS: Tom Tull
• Sign up for direct deposit
• Discount Purchase Program
• Great-West is now Empower Retirement

Annuity Pay Dates

• March 31, 2015
• April 30, 2015
• May 29, 2015
• June 30, 2015
• July 31, 2015
• August 31, 2015

As a rule of thumb, direct deposit annuities are sent on the last business day of the month and paper checks are mailed on the second-to-last business day of the month.

1099-R Information

If you received a payment from ERS in 2014, you can view and request your 1099-R online, or by calling ERS. Read more to learn how to view and request a duplicate of your 1099-R. More >>

ERS Board of Trustees

Election Calendar

• Voting ends April 10, 2015 
• Results certified May 6, 2015
• Trustee terms begins September 1, 2015

More information on the Board of Trustee election >>

Upcoming Board meetings

• May 19, 2015
• August 18, 2015
• December 3-4, 2015

View the Board webpage >>