WSSRA Zoom Webinar: Interview with Matt Smith, the Washington State Actuary (Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 am.)

 Executive Director Alan Burke and Legislative Director Peter Diedrick will use Zoom to interview Matt Smith, the Washington State Actuary, on Tuesday, September 29 at 9:00 am. "Mr. Smith will field questions regarding the important work of the Office of the State Actuary (OSA) in guiding pension agencies by calculating longevity averages for retirees. These figures, when combined with prospective rate of return for investments in the $130 Billion state investment fund, largely determine the cost of pension policy bills like the Plan 1 COLA and Plan 2/3 early retirement. Clearly, the higher the costs, the more difficult it becomes for the legislature to act on a pension improvement proposal."

As with the Town Hall Meeting and the other Webinars, go to www. wssra.org and select the WSSRA - Current News and Projects tab to get more details.

WSSRA Interview with Theresa Whitmarsh, State Investment Board (September 9, 2020)

 In case you missed it . . .

WSSRA has made the video recording of the interview with Theresa Whitmarsh (Executive Director) of the State Investment Board available.  Click HERE to view it.  The State Investment Board is responsible for managing the funds that make up 75% of pension check amounts, so as Dr. Alan Burke states, "it's really, really important that we pay attention to what goes on there."

Sometime later this month, WSSRA will present another interview, with the State Actuary.  Stay tuned!

BFSRA President's Message - August 2020

 Dear Members:

         You are ever on my mind, in my heart and prayers as we all withstand these adverse and unprecedented times in 2020.  We will resume our fellowship at sometime, but until then keep me posted of concerns, those who may need assistance or just a call to talk.  We are here for each other.  As election time draws close, remember to VOTE.  We are planning a ZOOM meeting the fourth Monday in September, so check out Facebook and BFSRA's blog.  Remember you may always call me personally if you have questions or just to chat.  Wear your mask whenever you go out, social distance, get your flu shot, wash your hands frequently/use hand sanitizer.  Call if you need to talk or to tell me about a member in need.  

Victoria Russell

BFSRA President