 Sunrise on Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Photo by Bill Chizek.
By John Voelker, ETF Secretary
Most "words of the year" chosen by publications capture a negative mood in 2024. I prefer to approach things positively. Thankfully, the WRS gives us plenty of material.
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By Edwin Denson, SWIB Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer
Two questions I am typically asked: How did the Trust Funds perform? What can we expect this year? I realized that my yearly answers don't change much.
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By Tarna Hunter, ETF Budget and Management Director
With the ETF Board's endorsement, ETF recently submitted its biennial budget request covering July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027. Here are the request's highlights.
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Effective Rates Projected to Increase in 2025
 Employees' WRS account balances are expected to grow this year, as ETF projects an increase in the effective rates for the Core Fund and Variable Fund due to strong preliminary investment returns last year.
The Legislative Audit Bureau recently issued an unmodified, or "clean," audit opinion of the 2023 WRS financial statements. With a 100% funding level, the WRS can meet future pension obligations to its members.
Starting this year, participant administrative fees for the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program will move to a flat fee of $3.90 a month ($46.80 a year) for accounts with a balance of greater than $5,000.
Jive in 2025 with Well Wisconsin
 Reach your well-being goals by completing your health assessment, health check, and signing up for well-being activities.
This new online application will allow employees to manage their ETF-administered insurance benefits easily and securely 24/7.
This includes all 2024 Health Care Flexible Spending Account, Limited Purpose FSA, Dependent Day Care Account, Parking Account, and Transit Account claims.
Each year, recipients of disability benefits must submit required forms to prevent benefits suspension. Know these requirements and due dates.
Asset Allocation for Core Fund
 How are your Core Fund contributions invested by SWIB? Compared to 2024, this year’s asset allocation target reduces public equity from 40% to 38% and increases private equity/debt from 18% to 20%.
Robert Scott, Director of Finance and Administration of the City of Brookfield, replaces Kristi Palmer as the local government representative on the SWIB Board of Trustees.
Sec. John Voelker has appointed Diana Felsmann as ETF’s next Deputy Secretary, following the retirement of Shirley Eckes, and Peter Rank as ETF's new Chief Legal Counsel.
Featured WRS Member from Eau Claire
“State employment not only provides a strong pension system, it also gave me unique opportunities for my career. I am able to integrate my professional experience in technology development with knowledge from my social work degree. Most importantly, I get to serve the people of Wisconsin every day.” — Rachel Steuer, Department of Children and Families
Share your personal journey in public service, and you might be featured in the next issues of WRS News Online and other ETF publications.
Explore your retirement, insurance, and other ETF-administered benefits. For more detailed information about your benefits, see your employer.
We are looking for people age 70 and older who have unclaimed money in their WRS account. Contact ETF if you know someone who is on the list.
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