CHARLESTON ‐‐ Recognizing that joining a supplemental retirement program is beneficial in a down market, state and local employees continue to sign up for the West Virginia Retirement Plus 457 program in the State Treasurer’s Office.

“Planning for retirement has picked up momentum during these turbulent financial times,” said Treasurer John Perdue. “Here in West Virginia public employees have recognized that workers will need additional funds beyond Social Security and pensions in their retirement years. Prudent management of their retirement dollars gives employees a head start in financial fitness.”

Investing in a down market gives plan participants an enhanced opportunity for growth when the market traditionally rebounds.

Since the State Treasurer’s Office has taken over the 457 supplemental retirement program, now called West Virginia Retirement Plus, more than 5,000 public employees have joined the system. Nearly 10,000 state and 527 localgovernment workers are now members.

Assets in the plan have grown by $5.8 million, bringing to more than $73 million the number of total assets.

For the past two years, qualifying state workers have earned a $100 match from the state to their contributions. For last year that amounted to $400,000.