PROVIDENCE – General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo announced a schedule of regional meetings aimed at educating public employees about how the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act of 2011 will affect their retirement eligibility and pension benefits.

The law, passed last year to address the state’s pension crisis, takes effect on July 1.

Meetings are scheduled in the following locations for these specific groups:

• State employees: March 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cranston High School East.

• Teachers: March 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Martin Middle School in East Providence.

• Municipal Employee Retirement System general employees: April 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the South Kingstown Council Chambers, South Kingstown Town Hall.

• MERS police and fire: April 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Smithfield High School.

Additionally, Raimondo said ERSRI retirement counselors will also work some evening hours to accommodate members who are unable to attend a regional session.

The same presentation will be offered again at 5 p.m. on March 12-13 for state employees, March 26-27 for teachers, April 9-10 for MERS general employees, and April 23-24 for MERS police and fire. Members must register in advance for these sessions, which will be held at 50 Service Ave. in Warwick. They may attend even if they have previously received a benefit estimate from ERSRI. •