The Mississippi Municipal League (MML) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, January 10, at 10:15 a.m. Municipal officials from across the state will gather in the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol as the League discusses how communities across the state will be impacted by recent changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), in addition to announcing its full 2024 Legislative Agenda.
One of the key items the League is focused on during this year’s session is the future of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). With the recent decisions by the PERS Board to lower the APR from 7.55% to 7% and to implement a three-year phase-in of the employer contribution from 17.4% to 22.4%, municipalities across the state are in need of immediate solutions to prepare for this fiscal increase while also remaining cautious of future increases down the road. MML is optimistic that by working closely with the Legislature, all parties can partake in a shared sacrifice to meet the needs of not only the retirees, but also local and state governments. Changes to the Public Employees’ Retirement System should, above all, protect the interests of all current members.
During Wednesday’s press conference, remarks will be given by MML Legislative Chairman Mayor Kenny Holloway of Ocean Springs, MML President Mayor Toby Barker of Hattiesburg, MML Conference Planning Committee Chairman Mayor Hope Magee-Jones of Collins, MML Immediate Past President Mayor Carolyn McAdams of Greenwood, Former MML President Mayor Errick D. Simmons of Greenville and Mayor Billy Knight, Sr. of Moss Point.
"We are excited about the opportunity to visit with legislators at the Capitol,” said MML President and Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “The last few legislative sessions have been monumental for cities and towns, but there remain several critical agenda items for Mississippi’s municipalities, particularly when it comes to the financial sustainability of the Public Employees Retirement System. We look forward to releasing our 2024 Legislative Agenda, and we are grateful for a Legislature that understands and champions the needs of local government."
The mission of the Mississippi Municipal League is helping cities and towns excel. MML is a non-partisan association established in 1931, representing 290 city, town and village governments in Mississippi. MML is also affiliated with the National League of Cities, a lobbying, legislative and legal arm representing municipalities before the U.S. Congress.
