History of TRA

The Teachers Retirement Association has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators since 1931, with a mission to enhance the quality of life for Minnesota teachers and their beneficiaries and to assist them in planning for an independent and financially secure retirement.

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1915	A precursor to TRA was established in 1915, as the first statewide plan providing retirement benefits for Minnesota public school teachers. Both St Paul and Minneapolis had established City teacher retirement funds in 1909. Contributions to the 1915 fund were $5 to $10 per year, with benefits of around $100 paid per month. The minimum vesting requirement for a monthly benefit was 20 years, with no minimum age requirement. The 1915 Fund, also referred to as the Pioneer Teachers Retirement Fund, was liquidated during the Great Depression but payment of prorated benefits continued from the State General Fund.
1931	On August 1, 1931, a successor statewide teacher’s retirement fund was established. Teachers who previously belonged to the 1915 fund could elect permanent exemption from the 1931 fund. Other teachers could elect limited exemption until the school year following the one in which they attained age 25. Contributions to the fund were 5 percent of salary with a $100 per year maximum. This was changed to 6 percent of salary with a $175 maximum. Teachers were given several chances to make additional contributions for previously exempt service and/or to retroactively contribute up to the new $175 maximum. These additional contributions were referred to as “arrears” payments. Investments were typically in bonds, and many of the municipal bonds paid very low rates of interest. Equity investments such as common stocks were not permitted. TRA was a money purchase (defined contribution) plan, with an account balance consisting of employee contributions plus investment earnings. There were no state contributions until teachers retired and purchased an annuity with their own savings. As annuity payments were made to retirees on a quarterly basis, the state would make a matching annuity payment of equal amount. Benefits were computed on a money purchase basis, much like life insurance annuities, but were inadequate because of extremely low investment returns and contribution limitations.
1957	In 1957, TRA membership became mandatory as a condition of employment in Minnesota public schools outside the first class cities of St Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth. The state as employer began advance funding by matching the teachers’ contributions on a current basis. Contribution rates were 6 percent of salary capped at $4,800. The faculty contribution rate for the state university system was 3 percent, because they elected Social Security coverage as a group. The Retirement Study Commission was established as a permanent commission of legislators charged with oversight and review of all retirement issues and legislation.
1959	In 1959, election of Social Security coverage became available to all other teachers on an individual basis. New hires after December 31, 1959, were automatically members of the Coordinated system with Social Security coverage. Over the next 10 years, 12 different Social Security referendums were held. Election of Social Security coverage was retroactive to January 1, 1956, and contributions were transferred from TRA to Social Security to establish this retroactivity. Also in 1959, the state began making additional employer contributions of 1.5 percent for Coordinated system members and 1.0 percent for Basic system members, in recognition of past service liabilities.
1965	In 1965, the contributory salary maximums were increased from $4,800 to $7,200 retroactive to July 1, 1957, if the teacher chose to pay the “buyback” necessary to establish this retroactivity. The maximum buyback for Basic system members was $1,272 and for Coordinated system members it was one half of that amount, or $636. Deadlines for these payments were also established. In 1967, the contributory salary caps were completely removed and retirement contributions became payable on total salary.
1969	In 1969, TRA's first defined benefit plan was introduced with a modified career average defined benefit formula. Several other retirement program options were offered, such as the variable annuity program. The formula used a high two-year average (capped at $4,800) for all years of service before July 1, 1957, and a career average for all years after that date. Different formula multipliers were established for Basic and Coordinated system members. The formula multipliers were graduated by decades of service. The deadline for electing a retirement program was June 30, 1972. Contribution rates were increased from 3.0 percent to 3.5 percent for Coordinated system members and from 6.0 percent to 7.0 percent for Basic system members. The state also increased the employer additional contribution rate to 2.0 percent for all members to amortize the additional unfunded liabilities created by the introduction of a defined benefit formula program. 1969 also saw the creation of the Minnesota Adjustable Fixed Benefit Fund (MAFBF) which was the predecessor fund to the Minnesota Post Retirement Investment Fund. Actuarially determined reserves necessary to fully fund all benefits then in payment status were transferred to the MAFBF by the three statewide retirement systems and Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund (MERF) on July 1, 1969. The interest assumption used in determination of the required reserves was 3.5 percent.
1973	In 1973 the high-five average salary program was passed into law, including revised formula multipliers. The interest assumption for the MAFBF was changed from 3.5 percent to 5.0 percent and pre-73 retirees received a 25 percent permanent increase. Contribution rates were changed from 7.0 percent to 8.0 percent in the Basic system and from 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent in the Coordinated system. The employer additional contribution rate was also increased from 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent in recognition of the additional unfunded liabilities created by the high-five average salary formula. In 1979, contribution rates were increased to 8.5 percent for the Basic and 4.5 percent for the Coordinated system. The employer additional contribution rate was also increased from 2.5 percent to 3.05 percent. No contemporaneous benefit improvements were made.
1980	The Minnesota Post Retirement Investment Fund (MPRIF) or Post Fund was created. The Post Fund based annual increases on investment yields above 5.0 percent. Market value was not recognized for adjustment calculations, but rather realized investment gains and losses were used. The majority of investments were in bonds, which took advantage of the 14 percent to 15 percent interest available at that time on high grade, long-term treasury securities.
1984	In 1984, the Rule of 85 early retirement window was legislated. During the 32-month eligibility window, 961 Basic members and 1417 Coordinated members retired under the Rule of 85. Additional required reserve transfers to the Post Fund were over $100 million for the benefit improvements realized by these 2,378 members. The Basic system average additional required reserve transfer was $57,617 and the Coordinated system was $32,149. The TRA employer additional contribution rate was increased from 3.05 percent to 4.48 percent, but employer contributions to the other two statewide retirement systems were reduced. In 1986, TRA employer contributions became the obligation of the individual school districts and became part of the state education aid formula rather than being paid directly from the state general fund.
1989	The 1989 legislature passed the most comprehensive package of uniform benefit improvements in the entire history of Minnesota public retirement funds. The thrust of this legislation was benefit uniformity, not only for the three statewide retirement systems but also for the four first class city retirement funds. Tier I step formula benefits contained early retirement features such as a Rule of 90 and less stringent early retirement reduction factors. Tier II level formula benefits contained improved formula multipliers for the first decade of service but no early retirement provisions. Normal retirement age was linked to the Social Security age for unreduced benefits. Actuarially equivalent early retirement reduction factors with augmentation were also applied to Tier II. Members who commenced covered employment before July 1, 1989, receive the higher of Tier I or Tier II benefits but members hired after June 30, 1989, are eligible only for Tier II benefits. In addition, three-year vesting was established, a subsidized bounceback provision was provided for all joint and survivor annuities, deferred annuity augmentation after age 55 was increased from 3 percent to 5 percent and a defined contribution retirement option was instituted for higher education faculty. The Variable Annuity program was abolished and full defined benefit formula coverage was extended to all former Variable Annuity program participants. This generated approximately $125 million of additional unfunded liabilities. Finally, the pre-1973 retirees were given permanent increases payable by the retirement systems rather than ad hoc lump sum bonuses from the state general revenue fund. These permanent increases were also indexed to the Post Fund annual increases made each January 1. Coordinated retirees received $25 a month per year of service and Basic retirees received the higher of $25 a month per year of service or $400 a year per year of service reduced by social security benefits and other Minnesota public retirement system benefits.
1990	In 1990, the employer additional contribution rate was reduced from 4.48 percent to 3.64 percent.
1992	In 1992, the Legislature modified the Post Retirement Investment Fund by again recognizing market values in the determination of annual increases instead of realized investment gains and losses. Increases consisted of an inflation component equal to 100 percent of the annual CPI increase capped at 3.5 percent plus an investment component which recognizes investment returns in excess of those needed to support the 5 percent interest assumption and the inflation component. A five-year moving average is used in calculating the investment component. In recognition of this modification in the way annual increases are determined, the asset allocation of the MPRIF was changed from 10 percent equity and 90 percent debt securities (bonds) to about 60 percent equity and 40 percent debt securities.
1993	In 1993, the Legislature passed an early retirement incentive window for the three statewide retirement systems and the first class city retirement funds. For K-12 teachers, formula multipliers were improved by 0.1 percent for each of the first 30 years and school districts were authorized to pay for health insurance to age 65. Minimum eligibility requirements were age 55 and 25 years of allowable service. For MSRS and PERA members, early retirees had to choose between the improved formula multipliers or the employer-paid health insurance; however, the formula multipliers were improved by 0.25 percent per year of service rather than 0.1 percent. An exception was the higher education faculty, who had to choose between a 0.1 percent formula multiplier improvement or paid health insurance. The window for K-12 teachers was about two months and for all other retirees about eight months. Approximately 2,000 teachers took advantage of the early retirement incentive.
1994	In 1994, TRA formula multipliers were improved by 0.13 percent (1.50 percent to 1.63 percent per year of service for Tier II benefits) and member contribution rates were increased from 8.5 percent to 10.5 percent for Basic system members and from 4.5 percent to 6.5 percent for Coordinated system members. Employer contributions were not increased to fund the benefit improvement.
1997	The Pension Uniformity bill of 1997 produced the largest overall benefit package since 1989 for all Minnesota public pension plans. For TRA, a key element was an increase in initial pension benefit in exchange for a slight 1.0 percent reduction in future post-retirement annual adjustments. The Tier II level formula multiplier for Coordinated members increased from 1.63 percent to 1.7 percent per year. In addition, a cap of age 66 was established as the normal retirement age for teachers hired after June 30, 1989. Contribution rates for Coordinated members were reduced from 6.5 percent to 5.0 percent of salary. Retirees received a permanent increase effective July 1, 1997, to their base benefits in exchange for the 1.0 percent reduction in the inflation-based component of future Post Fund annual adjustments. The actuarially equivalent increases ranged between 4 percent and 12 percent based on the normal life expectancy of retirees. Required reserves for retired teachers in MPRIF were modified and based on 6.0 percent assumed earnings rather than 5.0 percent. At the end of fiscal year 1997, the pension fund reached full funding, 23 years ahead of schedule. This was the result of outstanding investment returns and favorable salary experience. As a result, all employer additional contributions were discontinued by the Legislature. The employer contribution rate for Coordinated members was reduced to 5.0 percent, equal to that contributed by the member.
1999	Starting in 1999, active teachers with three or more years of service credit had the opportunity to purchase service credit for a variety of prior teaching service. Types of service eligible for purchase include military service, maternity leaves, Peace Corps, VISTA service, private or parochial school teaching service and out-of-state service. Purchases are made at full actuarial cost so that the Fund is not negatively impacted.
2000	The legislature changed the way post-retirement earnings are handled. Earnings that exceed the annual limitation are now offset to a savings account. Rather than forfeiting half of the amount that exceeds the limit, a retiree will receive a lump sum payment of the total offset amount, plus 6 percent interest, at age 65 or one year after teaching service ends.
2001	September of 2001 brought the long-awaited relocation into the new Retirement Systems of Minnesota building. The new building that is the home of TRA also houses Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) and the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).
2002	TRA opened the first satellite office in St. Cloud in January 2002. The opening of the Mankato satellite office followed in September. Effective July 1, 2002, all charter schools located within the city limits of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth will report to TRA.
2004	As of May 16, 2004, under current law, benefit provisions allowing purchase of prior service expired for out-of-state teaching, maternity/family/parental leaves, private/parochial teaching service, Peace Corps/VISTA service, charter school teaching, and University of Minnesota teaching service. Although language was introduced during the legislative session to extend these provisions, no action was taken by the Legislature. Members may still purchase prior military service while in the U.S. Armed Forces, as this provision was extended until May 2007. TRA opened the Detroit Lakes satellite office in October.
2006	The first major public pension legislation since 1997 produced the merger of the Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Fund Association MTRFA) and TRA on June 30, 2006. Nearly 14,000 retired, active and inactive MTRFA members were transferred to TRA. Approximately $1 billion in unfunded liabilities were transferred to the TRA Active Fund. A combination of increased employer contributions, direct state and local aid payments, and use of a portion of the TRA contribution sufficiency were used to fund the assumed liabilities over a 30-year amortization period. The 2006 pension package also contained a prospective-only formula multiplier improvement for TRA Coordinated members. TRA Coordinated members received a 0.2 percent formula multiplier (1.7 percent to 1.9 percent for Tier II level formula) for each year of service earned after July 1, 2006. No recognition or retroactivity for past service was provided. Coordinated member contribution rates were increased from 5.0 percent to 5.5 percent effective July 1, 2006, and employer contribution rates were increased from 5.0 percent to 5.5 percent effective July 1, 2007. The Minneapolis School District will pay an additional employer contribution of 3.64 percent. For the Post Retirement Fund, future annual benefit adjustments were capped at a maximum of 5 percent, beginning July 1, 2010. For deferred, vested members first hired after June 30, 2006, the deferred augmentation rate will be 2.5 percent for all years between termination of employment and the effective date of the member's annuity.
2008	Legislation was passed that provides for the potential to merge TRA assets and liabilities in the Minnesota Post Retirement Investment Fund (Post Fund) to the TRA Active Fund. The merger would occur if the Post Fund funding ratio falls below certain benchmarks. The post-retirement earnings limitation was expanded from the current social security earnings limit ($13,560) to $46,000 annually. This provision is retroactive to January 1, 2008. The amount is prorated during the initial year of retirement. No limits apply for ages beyond the individual’s normal retirement age as determined by the Social Security Association. A “Return to Work” provision was established in TRA law. The provision allows a TRA employer and TRA member who is age 62 or older to agree on a work contract prior to retirement that permits the member to return to work, yet still receive their monthly TRA retirement benefit. For ages under age 62, the individual must make a clear separation of employment with no contractual right to return, prior to the accrual date of the TRA benefit. The TRA earnings limitation of $46,000 applies to “Return to Work” post-retirement situations. Minnesota’s public plan retirement annuities are payable as a 50 percent joint and survivor benefit form covering the participant’s spouse, rather than as a single life annuity form, unless the spouse signs a notarized waiver. The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) conducted a study of benefit adequacy and compare the level of teacher pension benefits in Minnesota to those of other states.
2009	The Minnesota Legislature adjourned on May 18, 2009 without including provisions of the TRA Reform Proposal into the 2009 Omnibus Pension Bill. The Reform Proposal was supported by the TRA Board of Trustees and numerous stakeholder groups representing active and retired teachers and employers. The 2009 TRA Reform Proposal contained two goals: provide financial stability by addressing TRA's growing contribution rate deficit and improve school districts' ability to attract and retain quality teachers. Under legislation passed in 2008, a funding ratio below 80 percent triggered a merger of the Post Retirement Fund with its participating active member funds. The merger occurred on June 30, 2009. TRA benefit recipients will be paid a fixed 2.5 percent increase annually on January 1 of every year regardless of the underlying inflation or investment performance. The first benefit increase payable under the new law will be January 1, 2010. Members who have been receiving a benefit payment for at least one full month will receive a post retirement adjustment equal to 1/12 of 2.5 percent for each month they have received a benefit. Members retired at least 12 months prior to the January 1 adjustment will receive the full 2.5 percent increase. Beginning January 1, 2010, members applying for retirement may begin earning TRA retirement benefits on any day of the month, rather than being restricted to either the 1st or 16th of the month. Payments will continue to be issued the first day of each month. Active members with prior military service, and who have been honorably discharged, may purchase TRA service credit at full actuarial value. Members may designate a Supplemental Needs Trust as as the recipient of a lifetime annuity benefit. This does not take precedence over the mandatory spousal coverage by a survivorship plan. MnSCU faculty members, who first achieve tenure after June 30, 2009, may elect to transfer retirement coverage to TRA within one year of achieving tenure. The purchase cost will be calculated using the full actuarial value method. Disability benefits paid will be deducted from the amount of any refund subsequently paid to a member (or beneficiary) who terminates service. For retirees resuming work for a TRA covered employer, the post-retirement earnings limit is now applied on a fiscal year basis (July 1 - June 30), rather than a calendar year basis.
2010	On May 15, 2010, plan provision changes affecting all TRA benefit recipients, active members and employer units were signed into law (Laws of Minnesota (2010) Chapter 359). This law, authored by Senator Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley) and Representative Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) contained changes designed to stabilize and improve TRA’s future funding stability. The following provisions are included in Chapter 359: Member and employer contribution rates, which are currently 5.5 percent, will each rise by 0.5 percent annually over a four-year period beginning July 1, 2011. On July 1, 2014, the employee and employer rate will each be 7.5 percent. A contribution rate stabilizer will be implemented that allows further changes to the contribution rates, if needed, after 2014. Members who divorce after retirement may, in certain specific circumstances, rescind an optional joint annuitant (OJA) designation. A temporary two-year suspension of post-retirement annual increases for benefit recipients will occur in calendar years 2011 and 2012. Beginning January 1, 2013, annual increases will be 2.0 percent. Upon reaching a market value funding ratio of 90 percent, the annual increase would be restored back to 2.5 percent. Members who leave teaching and opt to receive a refund of their member contributions from TRA will receive a lower interest rate of 4 percent annually, a 2 percent decrease, on their contributions beginning July 1, 2011. Retired members who have returned to teaching and have an Earnings Limitation Savings Account (ELSA) will receive no additional interest on their account balance beginning January 1, 2011. Account balances will earn 6 percent interest until December 31, 2010. Members who are not currently teaching (inactive), who have left their contributions with TRA and who are deferring receipt of their monthly annuity benefits will receive a lower interest rate of 2 percent on their deferred benefit beginning July 1, 2012. (Previous interest rates varied depending on date of initial employment.) The executive directors of the three statewide retirement systems (Minnesota State Retirement System, the Public Employees Retirement Association, and TRA) are directed to jointly conduct a study of defined benefit, defined contribution and other alternative retirement plans for Minnesota public employees. The report is due to the Legislature by June 1, 2011. The bill also included an administrative change to the service credit calculation method. Beginning July 1, 2012, service credit will be calculated using a teacher’s salary relative to a base salary established for each district.
2011	The Swanson lawsuit was heard in Ramsey County District Court on March 22, 2011, regarding the plaintiff’s (retirement systems) motion to dismiss the lawsuit. On June 29, 2011, Judge Gregg Johnson upheld the constitutionality of the State laws that lowered annual cost-of-living adjustments for benefit recipients. The Governor and State Legislature adjourned without enacting a two-year budget. On July 1, 2011, a large segment of State government was closed. Essential services, such as TRA, were permitted to remain open and functional by Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin to deliver critical benefit payments to individuals. The State government shutdown, the longest in U. S. history, ended July 20, after a 13-hour special session. A public pension bill was passed and signed by Governor Dayton. The bill contained only minor administrative impacts to TRA.