Mississippi's Pension Crisis Deepens | Hattiesburg News

Mississippi’s pension system is in deep trouble, drowning in a $26 billion debt that threatens the future of hundreds of thousands of retirees. Despite Senate efforts to fund relief, the House blocked the bill — leaving officials like Senator Daniel Sparks pledging to honor retirement promises despite mounting pressure. The crisis stems from slashed assumed return rates, dropping funding below the critical 60% threshold and earning Mississippi one of the nation’s weakest ratings. Now, a new “return-to-work” program could offer a lifeline: letting retirees re-enter the workforce for up to 80% of their old pay while still collecting benefits — a bold move that could reshape the future of PERS. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a110071c4254d14e