By Senator David Blount

Jackson Advocate Guest Writer

March 18, 2024

I have received hundreds of calls and emails about House Bill 1590, a bill that would replace the current Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) board of trustees with a new board.  The majority of the current board is elected by PERS members (retirees and those currently working and paying 9% of their paycheck into the system each month).  The proposed new board would be 11 members, of which 8 members would be appointed by the Governor and the Lt. Governor with terms to run concurrent with political terms of office (four years).  The bill also says that the increase in employer contributions for retirement that has been recommended by PERS actuaries shall not be funded this year.

The bill could come up for a vote in the Senate this week.

I will vote NO on House Bill 1590.  To politicize the board and fail to make the necessary payments to fund the PERS system is wrong.  I believe the state has a contractual obligation to our retirees to pay the benefits earned.  I strongly support the continuation of a defined benefit retirement system to recruit and retain employees, teachers, law enforcement officers, and the many other important professions in PERS.

For more details on the bill, see the Mississippi Retired Public Employees’ Association Facebook page.

I am happy to respond to Senate District 29 constituent questions and concerns.  Please email me at senatordavidblount@gmail.com.