Around the Region: State Pension Fund Hit hard

NASHVILLE - State officials say some Tennessee pension investments have taken a beating during the wild ride that Wall Street has taken in recent weeks.

State Treasurer Dale Sims said that between June 30 and Sept. 19, the state pension fund may have lost as much as $197.6 million on stocks and bonds it held in four companies hit hardest by the crisis.

However, officials said the estimated $30 billion Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System remains solid and able to meet its promises to retirees and members.

Sims said the state pension, long considered one of the most solvent among the 50 states, easily will weather the current financial crisis.