March 2019

ERS members to elect new Board of Trustees representative

Before August 31 of each odd-numbered year, Texas law requires the Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas accept nominations and hold an election to fill pending vacancies. This year, one employee member will be elected to serve as member representative.

The term of Board member Doug Danzeiser, who holds one of three seats elected by ERS members and retirees, will expire at the end of August. Three other Board member positions are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court.

Nominations are being accepted for ERS Trustees Election and Appointments until 5 p.m. on April 1, and a nomination information packet is available on the ERS website. All ERS members are eligible to vote, including active employees, retirees receiving a monthly annuity payment, and previous employees who still have money in the fund. Any active state employee who contributes to the ERS Retirement Trust can serve on the Board, and the winner of this election will serve a six-year term as member representative.

Created in 1947, the ERS administers benefit plans for state employees and retirees. The ERS Board of Trustees makes important decisions regarding health care and pharmacy benefits, authorizes new programs and helps establish budgets for ERS operations. Members of the Board also oversee the state retirement plan and the Texa$aver 401(k)/457 Program.