Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants

Virtual Conference Proceedings

May 5 and May 19, 2022 9:30AM - 12:00PM

31st Annual Conference, 1st virtual

The one day annual conference was separated into two mornings, two weeks apart.

The complete conference, audio and video, are available at: www.wicoa.org.

John Voelker, Secretary of the Department of Employee Trust Funds provided a Spring 2022 Update on the Wisconsin Retirement System and reviewed the historical development of the Department, “Our Journey to Success Begins in 1943”. Tenacity and sustainability provide benefits to WRS members.

Jonette Arms, Assistant Administrator, Division of Public Health, Department of Health Services and

Carrie Molke, Director, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, Division of Medicaid Services, Department of Health Services. “Resources for Living Well As We Age”, the Bureau and Division provide many services to assist in maintaining independence and staying active in the community. Aging /disability answers and resources are available at: www.findmyadrc.org.

Edwin Denson, Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer, State of Wisconsin Investment Board. “An Update for Today and Tomorrow” looking at SWIB performance, added value to the system, internal management, and consistency at less cost than peers. Asset allocation targets were described.

Leo Kropywiansky, Managing Macro Analyst, Asset and Risk Allocation, State of Wisconsin Investment Board looked at economic expectations with inflation. Between October 2021 and February 2022 equity markets declined with Federal Reserve interest adjustments. Inflation is expected to accelerate globally.

Rochelle Klaskin, Deputy Executive Director/Chief Administrative Officer, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, provided cost effectiveness as provide by SWIB consultant, CEM Benchmarking. SWIB Board members were recognized. Numerous podcasts are available online. www.swib.state.wi.us/podcasts.

Laura Dresser, Associate Director, Center of Wisconsin Strategies, COWS.

“Workers in the Wisconsin Economy: What’s Changing? What’s Next?” Total labor force has grown in Wisconsin from February 2020 to March 2022. There were more hires than quits in all employment sectors. Problems continuing are the underinvestment in the care economy, too many jobs, and racial inequality.

Blair Testin Awards - John Maydak and Dick Kratz