Happy Birthday, ASRS!
The Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) marks its 65th anniversary this year, having been signed into law by Governor Howard Pyle effective July 1, 1953.
When the ASRS was created, it had a starting membership of 5,209. That year, 135 workers—106 men and 29 women—retired with the very first ASRS pensions. At that time, the average age at retirement for ASRS members was 72. And, according to the 20-page ASRS annual report from 1953, the first pensions ranged from just over $700 to a little over $1,000 a year.
Today, the ASRS numbers more than a half-million members, including nearly 150,000 retirees receiving a lifelong monthly benefit, averaging about $20,000 a year.
As we continue to celebrate 65 years of serving Arizona’s hard-working public servants, watch our website and social media for more history and highlights about your retirement system. We are here for you—just like you’re here for Arizona.
