Member Moments: A Reunion Seven Decades in the Making
When MARSP Past President Sue Jakubiak appeared in the Fall 2024 VANGUARD, she didn’t expect it would spark a reunion nearly seven decades in the making.
Among the readers was Ann (Betty) Trumble of the Blue Water Chapter, a longtime MARSP member, who immediately recognized Sue’s maiden name. Betty had been Sue’s 1st grade teacher at Will L. Lee Elementary in Richmond, Michigan, back in 1956 — 69 years ago.
Since seeing Sue in the magazine feature, Betty and Sue have reconnected at Blue Water Chapter meetings and again at a Marysville Big Boy (pictured).
As MARSP approaches its 75th anniversary in 2026 — established just a few years before Sue sat in Betty’s classroom — we celebrate a legacy of public school employees coming together to protect the promise of dignity in retirement.
From one generation to the next, that shared purpose continues, connecting those who served Michigan’s schools and helping ensure the promise of retirement remains strong for those who follow.
Want to help continue the legacy? Invite a fellow retiree to join MARSP through our referral program — not only will you strengthen our community, but each referral also enters you into our monthly referral drawing and the annual grand prize drawing: a trip for two to the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island!
Legislative Update: Legislature Passes State Budget
The Legislature approved the FY 2026 state budget early in the morning of October 3. The plan includes $51.8 billion in General Fund spending (HB 4706), and totals about $80 billion total when school aid and higher education are added (slightly smaller than last year’s $82 billion budget). It also includes significant cuts to state departments and significant increases to road funding.
The $21.3 billion School Aid budget (SB 166) passed the Senate by a vote of 31 – 5, and passed the House by a vote of 104 – 5.
The budget now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.
MPSERS Funding Impacts
Changes to School District Funding
- The new School Aid budget makes a handful of changes to how school districts are funded for their MPSERS contributions. While these changes are somewhat complex, they do not include major adjustments like those enacted last year that directly affected OPEB (MPSERS healthcare) funding.
- Several smaller line items were removed compared to previous years, reflecting a structural shift and slimming down of “categorical” project funding.
- MARSP will continue reviewing budget details as more information becomes available.
Retiree Benefits
- Funding for pensions and retiree healthcare remains consistent with previous years. The state continues to make progress toward paying off pension debt by 2038.
Active Employee Contributions
- Active public school employees in MPSERS with the premium subsidy healthcare benefit are no longer required to directly pay a 3% contribution out of their salary toward future retiree healthcare, increasing take-home pay as part of a deal reached last year.
- To help cover those costs, the budget includes $147.3 million (Section 27l) to support the required retiree healthcare payments from school districts. We are still waiting for clarification on how this funding will be applied.
System Stability
- The funding structure continues to support MPSERS obligations.
- MARSP will continue monitoring to ensure districts’ ability to meet contributions is maintained.
Member Engagement Matters
- Reaching out to your elected officials—through a quick call, email, or short visit—helps remind them that MARSP members are informed and engaged. It’s also worthwhile to make contact just to get to know them better and build a trusted relationship, rather than waiting until there’s a specific issue to discuss. That way, when important matters affecting public school retirees arise, they’ll already know who you are.
We will continue to keep members informed through VISION e-news and at marsp.org/news. Thank you for your continued support!
Access links to find your state senator/representative at www.marsp.org/advocacy
MPSERS Tips: Understanding Open Enrollment
Medicare’s open enrollment runs from October 15-December 7 each year. During this time, you may receive mailings and phone calls advertising plans offered outside of the retirement system.
There is NO open enrollment period for the ORS health insurance plans. Members can switch plans at any time. If you are satisfied with your current plans and do not want to switch, there is nothing you need to do. If you choose to enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare prescription drug plan, you will automatically be disenrolled from your current ORS insurance, which includes disenrolling your dependents.
New insurance enrollment requests need to be submitted to ORS by November 30, 2025, for coverage to be in place January 1, 2026. This can be done in miAccount at Michigan.gov/ORSmiAccount. Or visit Michigan.gov/ORSSchools/Publications and download, complete, and submit the Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452C) form to ORS.
Click here to learn more about your ORS insurance carrier options.
Travel Program: Subscribe to Receive Your Free 2026 Tour Catalog
Each season, MARSP publishes a digital and physical catalog of upcoming Travel Program tours. To receive a physical copy, subscribe to the Travel Interest Group by Friday, October 10.
The catalog provides a comprehensive view of all upcoming destinations in one place, and as program details are finalized—including timing, locations, and pricing—subscribers receive updates first.
Upcoming Travel Webinars
Presented in partnership with Collette Travel, MARSP Travel Program webinars are designed to help you determine if a particular tour is right for you! Find registration and replay links for all presentations at www.marsp.org/travel.
Presented in partnership with Collette Travel, MARSP Travel Program webinars are designed to help you determine if a particular tour is right for you! Find registration and replay links for all presentations at www.marsp.org/travel.
- October 30 at 2:00 PM: Discover Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria Webinar [REGISTER]
- TOUR DATES: July 22 – 31, 2026
- ACTIVITY LEVEL 3: You’re an on-the-go traveler.
- ABOUT THE TOUR: Alpine peaks rise above charming villages and serene valleys in Discover Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. Experience the culture, music, and traditions that give this region its unique character! This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the variety of the Alps, this tour delivers it all in one seamless journey,
- November 3 at 2:00 PM: Shades of Ireland Webinar [REGISTER]
- TOUR DATES:: October 10 – 19, 2026
- ACTIVITY LEVEL 2: You like a balanced approach to travel.
- ABOUT THE TOUR: Blending history, scenery, and tradition, this journey shows you the many shades of Ireland.From lively Dublin to rolling green hills and dramatic coastlines, Ireland is everything you’ve imagined and more. (You’ll even spend the night on the grounds of a stately castle for a touch of old-world charm.)
- In case you missed it: France Magnifique Webinar [REPLAY]
- ACTIVITY LEVEL 3: You’re an on-the-go traveler.
- TRAVEL DATES: May 14 – 25, 2026
- ABOUT THE TOUR: From bustling Paris streets to the serene gardens that inspired Monet, France Magnifique brings the best of France to life. Explore charming towns and historic landmarks while savoring the culture, cuisine, and atmosphere that make this country a must-visit destination.This carefully curated tour is an effortless way to see France beyond the usual highlights.
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