Volume 41 | March 2024
The Pensioner: Looking Forward
Welcome to the digital MPERS newsletter! The Pensioner: Looking Forward contains news, updates, and important information for active employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and MPERS.
Investment Update
Overall, MPERS' portfolio and Board-approved investment policy continues to serve the System well with long-term sustainability as a main priority.

Financial markets rallied during the 4th quarter of 2023 on the Federal Reserve’s pivot towards a stance of future interest rate cuts. Global equity markets gained 11% during the quarter, while traditional fixed income markets gained 6.6% over the period.

MPERS’ overall portfolio gained 6.5% for the quarter, capping off a strong year for the fund. MPERS’ one-year return of 13.22% outperformed the policy benchmark of 12.95%. When ranked against our peers for the calendar year, MPERS’ performance was average. Longer-term performance for the 3-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year periods all ranked near the top of the peer universe. 
Board Leadership Continues With Cox and Morice
During the February 16th meeting, the Board voted to continue the terms of the current chair and vice-chair. Congratulations, Sue and Matt; we look forward to continuing to work together in the future!
Sue Cox
Board Chair
MoDOT Retiree Representative
Matt Morice
Board Vice Chair
MSHP Active Employee Representative
Attention 2011 Tier Members!
If you have at least five years of service and are more than five years away from retirement eligibility, join us for a 2011 Tier mid-career checkup webinar!

During this informative webinar, MPERS and Mo Deferred Comp join forces to help you prepare for your future retirement. Topics discussed include benefit formula, retirement eligibility, the value of your benefit, and how Mo Deferred Comp can help supplement your retirement income. Details and the registration link are below.
When: Thursday, March 21, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Online via GoToWebinar
If you are a Closed Plan or Year 2000 Plan member, there are opportunities for you to participate in a mid-career webinar as well.

To view the complete schedule of mid-career checkup webinars, visit the mid-career checkup page on our website.
MPERS Welcomes New Board Member
On February 20, 2024, MPERS welcomed Commissioner Daniel Hegeman as a new Board of Trustees member. Hegeman replaced Commissioner Gregg Smith who served for 8 years on MPERS' Board of Trustees.

Welcome Commissioner Hegeman. We look forward to serving MPERS members and stakeholders together in the future!
Daniel Hegeman
Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioner
Legislative Update
The 2024 legislative session is underway. To this point there have been no bills filed specifically for MPERS; however, there are several bills that apply to public pension plans in general and would have some impact on MPERS. Those bills, and other pension related bills, are listed and updated throughout the session on the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement's website.
Most of the bills of interest to MPERS are related to the responsible investment of System assets. The overarching spirit of these bills is to be sure the assets are invested in the best financial interests of plan beneficiaries. Other redeeming qualities that are not financial in nature, should not drive investment decisions by themselves. There are limitations, however, with investing particularly as it relates to international exposure.

System assets should never be invested with entities that may risk the national security of the United States. MPERS has important investment policy addressing these issues to be sure assets are invested for the sole benefit of plan beneficiaries and protects against the risk that foreign adversaries may represent.

These important policies have been in place for nearly two decades and are updated as new risks present themselves. Rest assured MPERS Board and staff use these policies and applicable practices to routinely review investment risks and opportunities. 
Retirement Deadlines
March Events
  • 12 - Pre-Retirement seminar in Jefferson City for Closed Plan and Year 2000 Plan members, seminar full
  • 21 - Mid-Career Checkup webinar for 2011 Tier members, register here
  • 31 - Deadline to submit step 1 - Notice of Retirement for May 1 retirement
We value your feedback!
What would you like to see in The Pensioner: Looking Forward?
Send comments and suggestions to Julie.West@mpers.org.