Advocacy

Bills we are watching

At MARSP, we are dedicated to advocating for retired public school employees. 

In addition to monitoring the bills listed below, we are also monitoring the budget process of the pension and healthcare funding of Michigan retired school personnel.  As we continue to learn more about the legislative landscape in Michigan we will inform our members.  To ensure you are receiving timely updates from us please provide us with your email address by emailing staff@marsp.org.

MARSP Legislative Status Report

2022-23 Legislative Session
Bill
Number
MARSP’s
position
Bill
Sponsor(s)
Bill StatusBill
Summary
Our
Rationale
Bill Text &
History
Senate
SB 0001MonitorKevin Hertel (D)This bill calls for a 4-year phase out of the retirement income tax put in place in 2011, proposed by Governor Whitmer. This plan would phase out taxation of public pension income and restore deductions of $42,240 (single) and $84,480 (joint) for private sector pension income.MARSP is currently monitoring this bill and will take further action if necessary.Click here for current bill status
House Bills
HB 4001MonitorAngela Witwer (D)This bill calls for a 4-year phase out of the retirement income tax put in place in 2011, proposed by Governor Whitmer. This plan would phase out taxation of public pension income and restore deductions of $42,240 (single) and $84,480 (joint) for private sector pension income.MARSP is currently monitoring this bill and will take further action if necessary.Click here for current bill status
HB 4008MonitorAndrew Beeler (R)Referred to Committee on Government Operations.Under HB 4008, beginning in 2023, a person born after 1945 would be eligible for a $20,000 deduction against all income for a single return or a $40,000 deduction for a joint return once reaching age 62 through 66. Those deductions would double to $40,000 and $80,000 respectively upon a person reaching age 67. MARSP is currently monitoring this bill and will take further action if necessary.Click here for current bill status

MARSP's New Advocacy Tool

Contact the Governor

Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund

VBDF contributions fight for benefits

The Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund (VBDF) is used to initiate and/or participate in legal battles that may be necessary to protect Michigan school retirees’ benefits over the next few years.

To date, the fund has been used to educate legislators regarding defined contribution and graded premium insurance subsidy legislation; to research and investigate defined contribution and other plans in other states; to purchase the software needed to provide an effective grassroots network; to provide written information to legislators; and other activities necessary to the protection of school retiree benefits.

Supplemental Insurance Survey

How satisfied are you with your MPSERS Vision, Hearing, and Dental Coverage?

As advocates for Michigan’s public school retirees, the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) is surveying members on their experience and satisfaction with vision, hearing, and dental insurance through MPSERS. 

Please take the next five minutes to complete the Supplemental Insurance SurveyWith this survey, MARSP aims to collect feedback that we can pass along to the Office of Retirement Service (ORS), the administrator of your insurance. In this survey, you’ll see questions like:

  • How satisfied are you with your vision coverage?
  • What kinds of features would you like to see added to your hearing plan?
  • How much would you be willing to pay for additional dental coverage?