HFRRF News 
Chairman' s Message - March 8, 2019
Dear Fund
Members,
We are about half way through the 86th
session of the Texas Legislature. Today
is also the deadline for filing unrestricted bills and joint resolutions other
than local bills, emergency appropriations, and emergency matters submitted by
the governor.
In this session, lawmakers have, so
far, been focused on bipartisan issues like property taxes, school finance, and
the state’s retirement plans for teachers and the other state employees. We have been monitoring the filing activity
this session and we would like to update you on a few that may be of some
interest to our membership.
- Texas
Representative Tom Oliverson, District 130 (R-Cypress), filed HB 877 which
relates to exempting certain public retirement systems, like HFRRF, from
performing unnecessary actuarial valuations;
- Texas Senator
Joan Huffman, District 17 (R-Houston), has filed several bills, 2 that may be
of interest are SCR5 urging Congress to repeal the Government Pension Offset
and the Windfall Elimination Provision of the Social Security Act and SB 322
relating to the evaluation and reporting of investment practices and
performance of most Texas public retirement systems, and;
- Texas
Representative Dan Huberty, District 127 (R-Houston), filed HB 3599 that
addresses one of the unfair issues created by the passage of SB2190 last
session that impacted only a small group of retirees.
Again, we don’t expect any proposals filed
in this session to negatively affect our plan, but we will remain vigilant and continue
to monitor the progress of all bills filed and update you on legislation that
may be of special interest to you. The
last day of the 86th Texas Legislature session is May 27, 2019.
Sincerely,
Brett R. Besselman, Chair Houston Firefighters’ Relief and
Retirement Fund Board of Trustees
Firefighter Brett
Besselman elected to chair HFRRF Board
HOUSTON (June 20, 2018) – Houston
firefighter Brett Besselman was elected Tuesday to become chairman of the Board
of Trustees for the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund. Besselman
will take office on July 1, after a two-week transition and training period
with current Chairman David Keller who announced his resignation of the
position earlier this month for personal and family reasons.
“I am deeply humbled by the Board’s decision today,” Besselman said. “I
practically grew up in the pension fund building watching my Dad serve on the
Board, so I think this is a great tribute to him after celebrating Father’s Day
last weekend. In the coming weeks and months, I will be in close communication
with all HFRRF members, both active and retired, as I work to continue Chairman
Keller’s legacy of dedicated service.”
Besselman, 33, was
elected and sworn in to the Board in October 2016. He was immediately thrust
into the contentious issue of the City of Houston’s proposed pension
legislation. He’s been a member of the Houston Firefighter Department for
nearly eight years.
Outgoing Chairman
Keller commented on Besselman’s election: “As the youngest member of our Board,
Brett may also be the youngest person elected to chair our pension fund. I
think he is uniquely positioned to elevate the pension fund’s larger concern
for retirement security to the younger generation of Houston firefighters. But
also, by virtue of his retired father Jerry’s experience, Brett has tremendous
insight and experience with our operations, history and traditions. I wish him
the best of luck going forward and I am confident he has all the qualities for
being a great leader long into the future.”