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Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel

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It is now easier for retirees to return to schools

Legislation, Media News Room

Public Act (PA) 267 of 2020 was signed into law on December 29, 2020, and addresses rules concerning working after retirement as a substitute teacher and working in a critical shortage position. The critical shortage exemption has been extended until July 1, 2025, and removed the three-year maximum that a retiree can work in a critical shortage position.

How to return to work

If you are interested in supporting Michigan schools in this time of need, contact your local school district(s) to find the list of available positions and the next steps to apply.  Many districts list this information online for your convenience. 

Update from ORS

ORS is working on updating its pension impact estimator module, but in the meantime, their website has been updated with the specifics based on retirement date.  The rules are different depending on whether you retire before July 1, 2010, or on or after July 1, 2010. Click on the corresponding button below to view the rules specific to when you retired.

MPSERS Working After Retirement Quick Information

The passing of HB4694 demonstrates that our voices have been heard. This new law shines a light on the positive impact retirees can have for Michigan schools.  Being part of MARSP is about being a part of a community that is advocating and working towards change for public school retirees.  This would not have been possible without support from members like you; thank you!

As you return to the buildings and share your story with other retired school personnel, encourage them to become a member of MARSP.  The greater our membership, the more impact we will have on positive change for retirees and Michigan schools.

Click here to view MARSP member benefits.

Legislative Update – December 2020

Legislation, Media News Room

We are delighted to share some positive legislative news that affects public school retirees.

At MARSP, we are dedicated to advocating for retired public school employees. We are excited to announce that HB 4694 (Lilly) has unanimously passed in the State Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.  This bill amends the Public School Employees Retirement Act, Public Act 300 of 1980, to loosen restrictions and allow retirees to serve in critical shortage capacities.

MARSP has actively supported this bill and believes it will provide opportunities for public school retirees and MARSP members to support public schools by leveraging their experience and skills.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan districts were already experiencing critical shortages across multiple positions.  Many retirees want to help, but the potential loss of pension benefits under the old law was too significant. This bill makes it possible for more retirees to return and fill positions listed as “critical shortage” or support those districts that have a COVID-19 learning plan and still receive their full pension benefits, though the provision in state law limiting retirees to earning ⅓ of their Final Average Compensation (FAC) in a calendar year remains in effect.  The last and final step in the process is for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign the bipartisan legislation, and we are anticipating she will.

We are proud of the work MARSP has put in to make our voices heard.  Thank you for your continued support.

HB4694 will:
Extends Sunset to 2025
Extends sunset from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2025.  The sunset relates to the ability to rehire retired employees of the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) and allow those retirees to retain their pensions and earn wages during their reemployment period in the areas of critical shortage, substitute teachers, instructional coaches, and independent contractors.

What does this mean for MARSP members?
MARSP members now have more opportunities to return to districts to fill critical shortage positions and retain their pensions and earn wages.

Removes 12 month waiting period for rehire in critical shortage positions while operating under extended COVID-19 learning plan.
Allows a district to hire personnel who have been retired for less than one year for a critical shortage position provided the district is operating under an extended COVID-19 learning plan (in other words, the 2020-2021 school year).  The 12-month waiting period before retirees can return to work in a district in current law will otherwise remain in effect.  However, state law still prohibits retirees from returning to work in a Michigan public school reporting unit or for the State of Michigan, even as a volunteer, in the month of your retirement effective date.  For more information regarding your eligibility visit www.michigan.gov/ors.

What does this mean for MARSP members?
Members who retired less than 12 months ago now have the opportunity to return to schools in critical shortage positions. As independent contractors, substitute teachers and instructional coaches in the current school year, provided they do not return to work until at least one month after the effective date of their retirement.

Removes restrictions to those who retired after September 2, 2017
Allows the rehiring of personnel who retired after Sept. 2, 2017, to return to fill a critical shortage, substitute teacher or instructional coach role.  It removes the previous language that only allowed districts to rehire individuals who retired before Sept. 2, 2017.

What does this mean for MARSP members?
Members who retired after Sept. 2, 2017, can return to the buildings as a substitute teacher or instructional coach and retain full pension benefits, subject to the ⅓ annual cap on earnings.

Extends the window for a retiree to become reemployed for leadership support programs
Extends the window during which an employee may retire and become reemployed without forfeiting pension benefits for a specific school leadership support program funded by a Federal grant, private grant or both.

What does this mean for MARSP members?
Members who wish to return to work for a specific school leadership support program funded by a Federal grant, private grant or both may do so and not forfeit pension benefits.

To view the entire bill, click here.

Next Steps:
As we await the governor’s signature, we ask that members be patient.  Please watch for more communications and updates regarding the next step for MARSP members.

Again, we are so proud of the work MARSP has put in to make our voices heard.  Thank you for your continued support.

Legislative Update – November 2020

Legislation

As the Michigan Legislature heads into the 2020 lame-duck session, the state’s economic picture is better than expected, says Matt Kurta of Karoub Associates, MARSP’s lobbyist. Noting the positive impact of federal stimulus money and better than expected tax revenue in the midst of the pandemic, Kurta says economic predictions for 2020 were thankfully inaccurate.

“Dire economic projections from economists this spring thankfully were off by quite a bit,” Kurta pointed out. “The federal stimulus money really saved us. When they closed the books, they were able to carry money forward into the current fiscal year.”

Michigan will still face budget challenges next year, however, as stimulus money goes away and tax revenue is more uncertain, Kurta explained, adding that the school aid fund still seems to be in good shape. The Legislature will begin a new 2021-2022 session in January. Following the Nov. 3 elections, Republicans held on to the majority in the Michigan House of Representatives, which again will be comprised of 58 Republicans and 52 Democrats. The new Speaker of the House will be Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) and the new Chair of the House Appropriations Committee will be Rep. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell). The new House Democratic Leader will be Rep. Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township). Due to COVID, some legislative session days in early November were canceled.

“The lame-duck session might be shorter this year,” Kurta predicted, noting that it may still offer an opportunity for MARSP and other education groups to gain traction on the issue of making it easier for retired teachers to return to work in classrooms and help with teacher shortages. Outdated and overly complex restrictions on retirees’ ability to return to work hindered the ability of school districts to fill classroom teacher shortages before the coronavirus pandemic, and those restrictions have only made the situation worse as schools lose staff due to infections and/or quarantines.

As Michigan responds to the fall surge of COVID-19 cases, challenges to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new orders limiting the operations of some businesses and social gatherings, the makeup of the Michigan Supreme Court following the November elections and efforts by some groups to impeach the governor.

Since the Governor is no longer able to exercise emergency powers under the 1945 law, which was recently ruled unconstitutional, she is operating under a separate law enacted during the Spanish Flu of 1918 allowing the state health department to issue emergency epidemic orders to protect public health. More challenges and lawsuits are expected as business closures or shutdowns are ordered.

Michigan Supreme Court election results on Nov. 3 will give Democratic Party nominees a 4-3 majority in January, and the philosophy of the court could change somewhat, Kurta speculated. Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack held on to her seat and Elizabeth Welch replaced Stephen Markman, who was unable to run again because he had reached mandatory retirement age.

Although some talk of impeaching the Governor is in the wind, Kurta said such an effort would be an uphill climb.

Join ORS online for the Fall 2020 Retiree Education Seminar

Health Insurance

Every year, ORS works to create in-person presentations and member materials to educate you about the plan.  This year, however, in response to the pandemic, these educational materials they will be available exclusively online.  They remain committed to providing you with a high-quality healthcare plan that provides the services you need to live a longer, healthier life. 

Learn more about the 2021 Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System healthcare plan by following the steps below.

 

Join ORS online for the Fall 2020 Retiree Education Seminar

View the seminar content anytime from

October 13 through December 15, 2020

www.MPSERSHealthSeminars.com

1.  Using your computer or tablet, navigate in your web browser to:

www.MPSERSHealthSeminars.com

2.  While in the virtual lobby, view the Welcome Message and Site Navigation Tips videos to understand all that is available to you.

3.  Visit the Auditorium to view presentations by representatives of:

Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan

Delta Dental®

EyeMed

OptumRx®

4.  Visit the Learning Center:

Use the Learning Center to download highlights of your coverage and helpful resources available from each insurance carrier.

If you cannot access plan information online and have questions about your coverage, our insurance carriers are available to assist you. You can find their phone numbers on the back of your membership ID cards.

Priority Health announces 2021 information webinar schedule

Health Insurance

Priority Health is committed to creating simple ways to research and gather information about Priority Health MPSERS coverage. And this year, that means offering more ways for you to get that information from the comfort and safety of your home. That’s why their annual MPSERS informational meetings will be held via virtual webinars. So, whether you’re exploring plan options or you’re a Priority Health member and interested in annual updates, our informational webinars will help you feel confident in your health plan selection for 2021

Prospective Priority Health member webinar dates and times

October 14: 1pm-1:45pm

October 21: 4:30-5:15pm

October 28: 10am-10:45am

Current Priority Health member webinar dates and times

October 15: 4:30pm-5:15pm

October 22: 10:30am-11:15am

October 29: 1pm-1:45pm

To learn more about their webinars and register, go to: www.priorityhealth.com/mpsers/webinar

Legislative Update – State Budget agreements in final stages for 2020/2021

Legislation

The Michigan Legislature is finalizing the state budget for 2020-2021, and we are happy to report that MPSERS annual funding levels will continue as planned. We are pleased with this result and believe long-standing MARSP advocacy and support paired with better than expected tax revenues for the year were major factors in this process. In May, state economists forecasted over a $3 billion shortfall for the current 2020 state fiscal year. By August, they revised that number downward significantly to around $900 million due largely to the positive impact of federal financial stimulus, allowing that additional revenue to be carried forward to mitigate cuts in the upcoming state fiscal year.

MARSP members and MPSERS beneficiaries will still need to stay vigilant in the coming year as some of the dollars used to support the shortfall in the School Aid Fund are one time revenues and can not be guaranteed next year.

Factors that contributed to the improved revenue picture include a stronger than expected economic impact from federal stimulus money, strong consumer spending — which has outpaced all other states — and higher than anticipated sales tax collection for online purchases.

“All those factors combined to provide significantly more state revenue in Fiscal Year 2020 than state officials initially projected, reducing the size of the Fiscal Year 2020 state budget deficit projected in May by roughly two-thirds,” MARSP’s lobbyist Matt Kurta of Karoub Associates explained. “Although a $900 million deficit in the upcoming year still presents challenges, it’s much better than $3 billion. As a result, legislative leaders and the Whitmer Administration were able to craft a budget deal with no reductions in overall K-12 funding for the current school year instead of draconian cuts that appeared unavoidable just a month ago.”

Bills would ease restrictions for substitute teaching by retirees

Three bills in the Michigan House would reduce restrictions on public school retirees going back to work, but may not see action this year, HB 5357, sponsored by Rep. Steve Johnson (R-Wayland), HB 5497, sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Kennedy (D-Davison), and HB 5921 sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen (R-Hancock).

Teacher shortages and the need for substitutes affect many districts, even as schools provide virtual instruction, Kurta explains.

“Almost every legislator has heard from constituents on this issue, and they know that something needs to be done,” he said, adding that with Election Day less than two months away, the political climate may not be favorable to further action on the bills yet this year. MARSP will continue to monitor these bills and alert members to developments or calls to action.

Power to be split in upcoming Lame Duck session

Kurta pointed out that this fall’s lame duck session will be the first in 10 years with split power between the Governor and Legislature, and to expect a lot of “horse-trading.” Who wins the White House for the next four years could affect the outcomes of Congressional seats and state House races. Control of the Michigan House is also in play. Next year, the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will begin work, and districts could undergo significant changes.

Ways to place your vote in the 2020 election

Uncategorized

The 2020 election is approaching quickly and it is important to know what options you have to place your vote for the 2020 election.  This year Michigan residents can vote by voting at their local polling location or by absentee ballot.  Each method of voting comes with its own set of rules.

Voting in person

     Voting in person is a right of passage to some, they enjoy the pomp and circumstance of going to the poll and placing their vote.  Before heading to the polls make sure you are prepared. 

Register to Vote

     Confirm you are registered to vote.  You can check your voter registration status at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.

Locate your polling location

     Once you are registered to vote, you can look up your polling location at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index. 

What to expect on election day

     Once you have registered to vote or confirmed you were already registered and located your polling location it is now time to prepare yourself for election day.  

You will be required to provide a valid ID. 

     ID types you can use to check-in are:

  • Michigan driver’s license or state ID
  • Driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
  • Federal or state government-issued photo identification
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID with photo
  • Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
  • Tribal identification card with photo

Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm local time.  You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8:00 pm.

     Due to COVID-19, some locations may have changed.  For the most up to date information regarding your polling location call your clerk.   

To learn more about voting in person please visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteInPerson/#where

Voting by Absentee Ballot

Heading to public poles during a pandemic may be too risky for some.  Due to the passage of statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.

To obtain your absentee ballot online

     Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through our absentee voter request form before October 30.

To obtain your absentee ballot in person

     An application for an absentee ballot was mailed to every registered voter in Michigan. If you did not receive one or cannot find it, you can:

     Requests for an absentee ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 pm the Friday before the election.  

You can also request an absentee voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 pm on the day prior to the election; this ballot must be completed at the clerk’s office.

Submitting your absentee ballot

     Option A – Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8:00 pm on Election Day (November 3, 2020).

     Option B – Hand deliver your ballot to your clerk’s office before 8:00 pm –  November 3, 2020.

Did my ballot arrive?

     You can check the status of your ballot by looking up their information here https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index. 

Important Information regarding your absentee ballot.

  1. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. For information about your signature on file contact your clerk’s office.
  2. Ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by 8:00 pm on November 3, 2020. 

     Hand delivering your absentee ballot is the safest way to ensure your absentee ballot has been successfully delivered to your clerk’s office.  In the event that you can not hand deliver your absentee ballot consider mailing in your application as soon as possible to ensure on-time delivery. 

     We also encourage you to reach out to your clerk’s office for questions and more information.

     For more information and full details from the Michigan Secretary of State visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index.  

Leaders in Lansing have reached “target agreements” for the 2020-2021 state fiscal year.

Legislation, Media News Room

Some budget targets and general agreement have been reached, including ‘no reduction in K-12 school funding’, but details are still scarce. We’ll continue to monitor for changes to MPSERS funding as the budgets are ironed out in the coming weeks.

Leaders in Lansing have come to an agreement on individual budget “targets” for the upcoming state fiscal year starting on October 1. The agreement was announced Monday by Senate Appropriations Chairman Jim Stamas (R-Midland), House Appropriations Chairman Shane Hernandez (R-Port Huron), and State Budget Director Chris Kolb.  The agreement on budget targets, a traditional step in the budget process, means individual Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs now have actual numbers to work with as they work out details on individual Departmental budgets, as well as budgets for local government and education.  The leaders specifically noted the agreement would result in no reduction in K-12 school funding.  Final legislative action is expected the week of September 21. 

Officials were expecting a deficit of more than $3 Billion for 2021, and that estimate was reduced to less than $1 billion after state revenues were reported higher than estimated.  Many factors play into this positive outcome, including unprecedented federal economic stimulus and robust and positive retail spending made by Michiganders in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdown.  In March, many service-based businesses shut their doors due to state mandates (not subject to sales tax), which resulted in increased consumer spending on tangible, deliverable goods (subject to sales tax).  This is important because the school aid fund is 43.3% funded by sales tax revenues collected.  

During the August Census Revenue Estimating, Conference (CREC) leaders crunched numbers and were pleased to announce that the projected budget deficit was not as bad as expected.  This information was presented to leaders in Lansing to better help them with budget projections for 2021.  

We will now watch as they iron out the details before budget details are finalized in the coming weeks.