Preparing for Your Retirement

Are you within 10 years of retirement? If so, join us for a great overview of WRS benefits, retirement to-dos and information on the retirement process. There are face-to-face events offered throughout the state this fall and live webinars on September 6, September 25 and November 6.  More Preparing for Retirement>

Highlights

• Search Under Way for New SWIB Executive Director
• WRS Governing Boards Need You!
• The Great Recession: 10 Years Later
• Your Sick Leave Credits Could Pay for Health Insurance

No Increase for State Employee Health Insurance for Second Year

For the second consecutive year, the state’s Group Health Insurance Program premiums will not increase in 2019, as recently approved by the Group Insurance Board. Local employee premiums will be more varied and set by each employer. While some health plans were able to reduce their rates, the overall increase is 1.7%. Check out the plan and benefit changes for 2019.  More Health Insurance>

New Online Tool Helps You Pick Health Benefits

If you need help sorting out health insurance plan designs and costs, or if you have questions about supplemental benefits, use our new online tool, ALEX. It’s like having your own personal, virtual benefits counselor. More ALEX>

Search Under Way for New SWIB Executive Director

by David Stein, Chair, SWIB Board of Trustees

SWIB Trustees are conducting a search for a new executive director, following the July resignation of Rick Smirl. The Trustees are confident with both SWIB’s interim leadership plan and the prospects for finding a new executive director. More Search Under Way>

WRS Governing Boards Need You!

Teachers and Educational Support Personnel: The process to elect several members to two WRS governing boards has begun. Seats for an educational support staff member and three active teachers will be open next spring. Nomination materials are now available. The deadline to return 25 valid signatures is October 26. More Board Election>

Before You Check the Box: Know Your Annuity Options

Q: Can I change my annuity option after submitting the retirement application? A: Yes, but the period in which you can make this change is brief – only 60 days after the date of your first payment or, if applicable, the date your lump sum payment was issued. More Annuity Options>

The Great Recession: 10 Years Later

In June 2009 the National Bureau of Economic Research, which determines start and end dates of U.S. recessions based on a range of economic indicators, declared the Great Recession had ended. The American economy has, in many ways, pulled out of this economic tailspin. (Third article in a three-part series.) More Great Recession>

Tell Us Why You're in Public Service

What makes you passionate about serving the public, your community, and the people of Wisconsin? We are collecting stories to share in future newsletters and other communication efforts. Complete this short survey to tell us your story.

Set a Solid Foundation with WDC

Are you on track for achieving your retirement financial goals? The Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program can help you set a solid foundation. Learn how even small increases can earn big rewards and schedule a meeting with your WDC local representative. Use this handy new online tool. More WDC>

Your Sick Leave Credits Could Pay for Health Insurance

State employees: Find out everything you need to know about the Accumulated Sick Leave Credit Conversion Program with this three-part series of videos and resource sheets. Topics reviewed include eligibility, the conversion calculation, escrowing credits, comparable coverage, reinstatement of sick leave and use of credits by spouses/survivors. More Sick Leave Credits>

SWIB Staff Recognized for Achievements

SWIB is an industry leader in investment management in part because of its strong, in-house expertise. Several SWIB staff have recently been recognized for their achievements and contributions to keeping the WRS nearly fully funded and able to pay promised benefits. Staff include Chief Investment Officer David Villa, Private Equity Senior Managing Analyst Chris Eckerman, and former Executive Director Michael Williamson.

Other News & Features