MARSP Legislative Priorities
MARSP fights for the stability and solvency of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) and supports legislative measures to maintain or increase prefunding for MPSERS pension and healthcare.
MARSP works to secure MPSERS funding so school employees can focus on daily responsibilities without fearing for their long-term financial security or healthcare benefits. By retaining experienced staff, we sustain quality education and bring continuity and expertise to classrooms statewide.
Recently retired public school personnel are the optimal candidates for substitute and critical shortage positions due to their expertise and experience in the district. MARSP advocates for legislation that enables recent retirees to return to work in schools without negatively affecting their pension or healthcare benefits.
The state’s School Aid Budget determines the financial resources available to school districts for the upcoming academic year. Completing the budget by June 30 allows schools to plan accordingly.
Members stay informed of important MPSERS and legislative news through MARSP’s email updates. If you’ve recently changed your email address, please contact MARSP to update your information. You can also update your contact information and communication preferences in your online member profile.
Bills We Are Watching
MARSP is actively monitoring the state budget process and will update this section as legislation emerges that aligns with our advocacy priorities.
MARSP Legislative Status Report
2025-26 Legislative Session| Bill Number | MARSP’s position | Bill Sponsor(s) | Bill Status | Bill Summary | Our Rationale | Bill Text & History |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senate | ||||||
| SB 166 | Monitor | Darrin Camilleri (D) | Referred to committee on Appropriations | Appropriations: school aid; fiscal year 2025-2026 appropriations for k-12 school aid. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 | MARSP is monitoring this bill. | Click here for current bill status |
| House Bills | ||||||
| HB 4577 | Monitor | Tim Kelly (R) | Referred to committee on appropriations | Appropriations: school aid; appropriations for K-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 | MARSP is currently monitoring this bill and will take further action if necessary. | Click here for current bill status |
Our Role in Michigan's Budget Process
Michigan’s annual budget process plays a critical role in determining the future of public education, retiree healthcare, and pension funding. MARSP closely monitors every step of the budget timeline—from the Governor’s initial recommendation to legislative negotiations and final approval. We advocate for responsible, long-term funding of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS), and lobby to protect your healthcare and pension benefits.
Michigan’s fiscal year (FY) starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. School district fiscal years start on July 1 and end on June 30. The budgeting process for each fiscal year is continuous. While planning the upcoming fiscal year budget, the Governor and Legislature also monitor and adjust the current budget.
- Creates a plan for how the state will spend money.
- Identifies where the funding will come from.
- Allocates funds according to executive and legislative priorities.
- Distributes state funds to local governments and other service providers.
- Tracks spending and holds agencies and departments accountable.
- General Fund: The state’s primary operating fund
- School Aid Fund (SAF): A restricted fund that serves as the primary state funding source for K-12 schools and Intermediate School Districts. In recent years, SAF revenue has also gone towards community college and university budgets.
- Budget Stabilization Fund: The state’s “rainy day fund”
Michigan’s Constitution gives the Legislature control over state spending. No money can be spent without the Legislature’s approval, making it equal to the governor and the courts. This power also helps ensure that state agencies and departments follow the law.
MARSP monitors the state budget process and keeps members informed of activities that intersect with our legislative priorities. Member engagement with legislators reinforces and legitimizes our efforts during the budget process. Phone calls, emails, handwritten letters, and in-person meetings are all great ways to build relationships with legislators. The BEST option is the one that works for YOU.
Our Members Stay Informed
MARSP members receive timely updates about the state budget process through special email updates, the monthly Vision email newsletter, and our quarterly VANGUARD magazine.
- Click here to read the latest updates (You must be logged in to access member-only content)
- Click here to join MARSP and begin your Vision and VANGUARD subscriptions
Our Members Stay Engaged
Building a relationship today sets the stage for effective advocacy tomorrow.
During budget season, there are often fewer bills to track as legislators focus on committee work. Even when things seem quiet, we know from experience that challenges to our pensions and healthcare benefits can appear quickly. We also know that the most effective advocacy doesn’t begin when a bill hits the floor—it starts much earlier with a simple “hello.”
Budget season is the perfect time to (re) introduce yourself to your legislators. A call, email, or short visit is enough to introduce yourself and remind legislators that MARSP members are informed, active, and paying attention.
Contact the Governor
Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund
VBDF contributions fight for benefits
The Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund (VBDF) is used to initiate or participate in legal battles to protect Michigan school retirees’ benefits. VDBF funds have been used to educate legislators; to research and investigate retirement plans in other states; to purchase the software for effective grassroots advocacy; and other activities necessary to the protection of school retiree benefits.
For physical copies of state publications, contact your state Representative or Senator.
Michigan Citizen’s Guide to State Government
Excerpt from the Citizen’s Guide to State Government (2025-2026):
“Citizen participation is an essential component of any democratic government. Leaders require input and feedback from the public to enact policies consistent with the will of the people.
In many cases, communication between the public and their elected leaders is limited by citizens’ uncertainty about the way government operates or the most effective means of sharing information with their representatives. Knowing who is responsible for public policy and how to contact them is important for anyone who wants to influence the process.
The intent of this Citizen’s Guide is to provide the public with some of the specific information that is necessary to influence public policy. This guide contains an overview of state government, contact information for state departments and state and federal lawmakers, information about how the lawmaking process works in Michigan, and guidance about how to ensure your message reaches policymakers in the most constructive way.”
Recent Legislative News & Stories
Legislative Update: Budget Differences Underscore Need for Vigilance
