On June 6, 2011, the ASPPA College of Pension Actuaries joined 10 other organizations in sending a letter to all members of Congress, encouraging them to oppose increases in PBGC premiums in the context of current budget discussion. “Premium levels should be carefully crafted and justified”, the letter said.”If they are not, then they are really little more than a tax increase.” [letter]

On March 29, 2011, the Joint Board for Enrollment of Actuaries issued the final revised Regulations Governing the Performance of Actuarial Services Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.  [final reg]

On January 26, 2011, Thomas J. Finnegan, MSPA, CPC, president of ASPPA, testified on behalf of ASPPA and the ASPPA College of Pension Actuaries (ACOPA) at an IRS/Treasury hearing on proposed additional rules regarding hybrid retirement plans. Finnegan said final regulations should treat plan sponsors who have followed the rules in good faith fairly, provide a clear framework for plan design moving forward, and balance plan design flexibility with strong participant protections. [Testimony]

Notice 2011-3 with guidance on special funding relief for both single and multiemployer plans is now available, and will be published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2011-2 on Jan. 10, 2011. [Notice 2011-3]


Read more about ACOPAs [Election Process]

The [Edward E. Burrows] Distinguished Achievement Award is to be presented annually to a pension actuary who has, by their actions, set an example for other pension actuaries. This is an actuary that has gone above and beyond in forwarding ethics, education, beneficial legislation or regulations (or such other actions as the selection committee deems appropriate) that enhance the private pension system, or the professionalism of enrolled actuaries within the private pension system. Ed was a beacon in this regard, and ACOPA honors him by presenting an award that recognizes those who follow his path and lead by his example.

The 2011 Ed Burrows award winner was Janet S. Eisenberg

Past Award Winners:
Ed Burrows - 2008
Joan Gucciardi, MSPA - 2009
Robert H. Schramm, MSPA - 2010

Contributions can be made to ASPPA's Pension Education and Research Foundation (PERF) in Ed’s honor. Contributions are restricted for the purpose of sponsoring or co-sponsoring events that examine focused topics concerning National Retirement Income Security, an issue dear to Ed’s heart. Contributions are tax deductible, and can be made by check or credit card. Please make checks payable to “ASPPA PERF” and note “Ed Burrows” in the memo section, then mail your check to: ASPPA, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive Suite 750, Arlington, VA 22203.

Contributions can be made by credit card to the General ASPPA PERF fund or the Ed Burrows Memorial Fund via this ONLINE FORM