Why are You in Public Service?

It's Public Service Recognition Week May 1-7. We salute you for all you do to serve others and make our communities strong. 

Please tell us why you’re in public service by completing this short survey. Thank you in advance for your participation. We invite you to continue the conversation about Public Service Recognition Week on Twitter, using #PSRW. And follow ETF!

Highlights    

• E-learning on Self-Insurance
• Increased Internal Management Benefits WRS
• Review Your Statement of Benefits
• Effective Rates Applied to Your WRS Account
• New! Government Relations Section on Web

Does SWIB’s Investment Strategy Work?

by Michael Williamson, SWIB Executive Director

The rollercoaster ride early in 2016 reinforced the idea that we are indeed in a low return environment, where there will be significant challenges to earning positive returns. More Investment Strategy >

E-learning on Self-Insurance

Watch this new animated e-learning, Self-Insurance in 5 Minutes, to find out what is self-insurance and the next steps being taken by the Group Insurance Board as it considers moving to a self-insured model for the group health insurance program in 2018.

Increased Internal Management Benefits WRS

Internal management of the trust funds by SWIB staff has reached an all-time high; the end result has been a significant financial benefit to the WRS. Approximately 64% of WRS assets are managed internally today, up from 25% in 2007. SWIB’s internal management initiative saves $57 million annually. More Internal Management >

What are SWIB’s Financial Benchmarks?

Financial benchmarks are the standard against which both returns and risks of a security, fund or investment manager can be measured. But how are benchmarks set, who reviews them, when do they change and what is SWIB’s goal when measuring performance against the benchmarks? More Benchmarks >

Know Your Benefits

Q: Can I add money to my WRS account? A: Yes, you can make voluntary, after-tax “additional contributions” to your WRS account to supplement your retirement benefits. Learn how additional contributions can enhance your benefits, how and when to pay, maximum contribution amounts, distribution/annuity options, etc. More Additional Contributions >

Review Your Statement of Benefits

The WRS annual Statement of Benefits was distributed in April. Take time to review your statement and file it for safekeeping – it’s a year-end summary of your WRS account and benefits. See how much your account has changed with the effective rate of interest. We have tips for how to read and understand your statement and online learning resources, too. More Statement >

Effective Rates Applied to Your WRS Account

The effective rates of interest have been applied to WRS active employees’ retirement accounts – see the rates at a glance and learn about ETF’s projections for rates and adjustments next year. More Effective Rates >

It's Your Choice Dates and Focus Group

The Group Insurance Board has set October 17- November 11, 2016 as the 2017 It’s Your Choice open enrollment period. ETF is also continuing to make improvments to the IYC web pages and printed materials, so members can easily find information.  Many thanks to the employers, employees and retirees who participated in our marketing focus group in April and provided valuable feedback. More It’s Your Choice >

Legislative Update

by Tarna Hunter, ETF Legislative Liaison

The Wisconsin Legislature has adjourned its 2015-2016 session. One significant piece of legislation affecting the WRS that was enacted is 2015 Act 174, which provides for municipalities interested in participating in the WRS. More Legislation >

New! Government Relations Section on Web

ETF has launched its Government Relations web page, providing relevant and timely information for members, policymakers and other stakeholders on state and federal legislation that may affect the WRS. More Government Relations >

Other News & Features