Member Resources: MARSP Annual Member Update (Video) is Now Available!
Welcome to the annual member update! In this video, we look back at some notable stories and achievements from our community in 2024. We’ll also give updates on our programs and advocacy, and offer tips to help you make the most of your membership. Later in the video, Royce Humm (MARSP Executive Director) sits down with Anthony Estell of Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to learn about the status of the pension fund and the process for assessing and approving your annual health insurance plan.
Access the annual video archives and packets at www.marsp.org/annualvideo.
Member Opportunities: Support the Foundation Scholarship Program!
Mark your calendar! The 14th Annual Bruce H. Moeggenborg Memorial Golf Outing is on August 12, 2025, at the Brookshire Inn and Golf Club in Williamston, MI.
This event isn’t just about hitting the green; it’s about making a tangible impact in the lives of Michigan’s active public school employees. Proceeds from the outing support the MARSP Foundation Scholarship Fund, which provides professional development scholarships to individuals serving in our public schools. Scholarships are available to all public school employees within MPSERS, regardless of their current position.
You can help us make this event a success!
- Join us: Come out for a day of fun, friendly competition, and good company!
- Golfers compete in teams of four. We will assign a team to those who do not list additional golfers during registration.
- To make the day even more interesting, our friends at AMBA have sponsored a $10k Hole-in-One Challenge!
- Sponsorship: Can’t make it to the event but still want to support the cause? Become a sponsor!
- Promote the event: Spread the word about this event! Share event information and registration with your network via email and social media.
Thank you for your generosity and support as we invest in future public school retirees.
Legislative Update: State Budget Talks Could Impact MPSERS—Here’s What to Know
Key Takeaways:
- All three budget proposals are out: The Governor, House, and Senate have released their FY 2025–2026 School Aid budgets.
- House budget proposes changes affecting MPSERS: It would raise the payroll cap on district MPSERS contributions, requiring changes to the MPSERS Act.
- MARSP is monitoring closely: MARSP supports keeping the current MPSERS payment structure and is advocating to protect retiree benefits.
School Aid Budget Proposals: Executive, Senate, House
The Governor, House, and Senate have each released their proposals for the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 School Aid budget.
- Executive Budget Proposal & Documents
- Senate School Aid Budget Proposal: sfa.senate.michigan.gov
- House School Aid Budget Proposal
House Proposes Changing Categorical Funding and MPSERS Cap
The House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 4577, which outlines their School Aid budget priorities. This version differs from the Governor’s and Senate’s proposals in several ways, including how categorical funding is handled. The House plan consolidates many existing “categoricals”—dedicated funds for specific programs such as early literacy, preschool, and career and technical education—into a larger per-pupil line item. This structure would give school districts more flexibility in how those funds are used, according to the House Fiscal Agency analysis.
The House budget also proposes restoring a higher cap on how much of a school district’s payroll goes toward MPSERS debt payment. This cap was lowered last year from 20.96% to 15.21%, reducing district costs while maintaining the MPSERS debt repayment schedule. To make this change, the state would need to amend the MPSERS Act.
MARSP’s Position
While the House proposal includes funding intended to offset the increased costs to districts, MARSP is concerned about reopening the MPSERS Act. The current payment structure is designed to support both districts and retirees, and changing it could introduce uncertainty at a time when School Aid dollars face competing demands.
What Happens Next
The Legislature has missed the July 1 budget deadline—the start of the fiscal year for Michigan’s schools. While leaders from the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office have met to negotiate a final budget, many details remain unresolved. Other priorities, such as increased road funding, are also competing for attention.
MARSP is closely monitoring all developments and continues to communicate our position to policymakers. We will provide you with further updates as budget discussions continue.
Your Role: Remind Legislators that Retirees are Paying Attention
Effective advocacy begins before a bill is ever introduced. The best time to develop relationships and trust with policymakers is before there’s a specific “ask” on the table. Don’t wait until the stakes are high to say, “Hello.” A call, email, or short visit is enough to introduce yourself and remind legislators that MARSP members are informed, active, and engaged. That way, when you have a specific request for action (and you will), they already know who you are.
- Access links to find your state senator/representative at www.marsp.org/advocacy.
- Sample Introduction (Feel free to personalize it!)
Hello, I’m [Your Name] from [Your City]. I served as a [Your Role in Public Education], and I’m a proud member of MARSP—the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.
MARSP is a nonpartisan organization focused on protecting the retirement income and healthcare benefits earned by Michigan’s public school employees. Through MARSP, retirees like me work with lawmakers to support and strengthen the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS).
With more than 465,000 members, MPSERS is the largest of Michigan’s state retirement systems. Many of us live and vote in your district. I hope you’ll connect with MARSP when legislation affecting MPSERS funding or structure comes before you.
We can’t always control what happens in the Capitol, but we can choose to reach out and connect with intention. Thank you for joining our efforts!
All NEW MARSP Travel Program Destinations!
Interested in learning more about our upcoming trips? Use the links below to register for the informational webinar for each tour! Those who register will automatically receive an emailed recording of the presentation. Click here to find out what members have to say about our Travel Program!
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