Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advocacy Organizations

00:56 Roles and Responsibilities

01:48 Choosing the Right Organization

02:37 Engagement and Collective Action

Transcript

Hi everyone, I'm Ryan Earley, host of the PERS Pro YouTube channel. While the legislative process can feel like a maze, there are powerful organizations working behind the scenes right now to protect your retirement and your paycheck. But do you know which groups actually have your back when a bill hits the floor? And more importantly, which ones are worth your membership dues? Today, we are pulling back the curtain on the top organizations lobbying for Mississippi educators and PERS members so you can make sure your voice is truly heard in Jackson. Let's dive in.

To influence change in Mississippi it often takes more than a single email to a legislator. This is where professional advocacy organizations come in. They act as the bridge between your daily work and the state capitol. These organizations play several key roles in the legislative journey we discussed in our last video.

Expert testimony. During the committee stage, which is where most bills die, these organizations send representatives to testify and provide data to lawmakers about how proposed changes will affect state employees.

Legislative monitoring. They serve as your eyes and ears, tracking hundreds of bills so you don't have to.

Direct lobbying. They employ professional lobbyists who meet with representatives and senators to explain the needs of educators and retirees.

Mobilizing members. When a critical vote is scheduled for floor action these groups send out alerts to their members to trigger a wave of phone calls and emails to the Capitol.

So, who is fighting for you? Fortunately, there are several organizations in Mississippi dedicated to education and PERS protection. These groups vary in their specific focus. Some are strictly for retirees, while others focus on active classroom teachers. Here is a table of some examples.

When choosing an organization, tt is important to look at their legislative track record and what they offer in return for your membership fees. Many provide professional liability or other insurance, legal assistance, training, scholarships, and or newsletters that focus specifically on issues impacting their member base. Feel free to pause the video here and take a snapshot of these organizations for future reference.

As a PERS member, your engagement is the fuel that makes these organizations effective. Here are three things you can do today.

Step one, research and join. Visit the websites in the table previously and choose at least one organization that aligns with your professional needs and retirement goals.

Step two, find your lawmakers. Go to legislature.ms.gov and identify your local representative and senator. Save their contact info so you can reach out when your chosen organization sends a legislative alert.

Step three, support your peers. Share this video or information about these advocacy groups with a colleague. Collective action is what protects the PERS system for everyone.

I hope our last two videos covering Mississippi legislation were helpful. Next week, we'll begin a new series on recent tax changes that impact PERS members and took effect either July 1st, 2025 or January 1st, 2026. We will be covering specific changes to federal income tax, state income tax, grocery and gasoline tax, and property tax. Please make sure you subscribe so you don't miss these future videos. If you found this video helpful, can thank me by hitting the thumbs up button and liking the video and sharing it with other PERS members. If you have a follow-up question about PERS or anything else related to personal finance, please visit our website at perspro.ms and submit your question or topic for a future episode. Thank you for your valuable public service to the state of Mississippi. We'll see you next time.

Disclaimer, this video is for educational and informational purposes only. Neither the host nor this YouTube channel are officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi. Always consult a qualified professional for personal advice specific to your situation.