In This Issue / Nov. 11, 2016
School Employee Pension Attack Emerges as Top Republican Priority

School Employee Pension Attack Emerges as Top Republican Priority

It’s official — Michigan’s new Speaker of the House, Rep. Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt), says one of his top priorities will be to come after educator pensions.

“1 of Speaker-elect Leonard’s top priorities – moving newly hired teachers to 401k instead of pension. Snyder admin has been reluctant #mileg,” tweeted Associated Press reporter David Eggert (@DavidEggert00) Thursday afternoon.

Whether it happens in the abbreviated “lame duck” legislative session between now and mid-December, or lawmakers wait to take it up when a new Legislature is seated in January, MEA members need to begin mobilizing now.

That means educating yourself, colleagues, friends, and family of what’s happening and why what’s being discussed is wrong for employees, retirees and the state. Read more about how the billionaire DeVos family is behind this latest attack on public school employees and the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS).

Learn how the system was already reformed in 2012, how the current hybrid system is fully funded, and how shifting new employees to 401(k)-style pensions would cost the state hundreds of millions per year in closure costs, and more.

Be sure to like us on Facebook and sign up to receive out legislative newsletter, Capitol Comments, to stay up to date on the latest information. We will be issuing calls to action soon based on bills that are introduced.

Go to the ESSA web page (www.michigan.gov/essa) to register online for Feedback forums, which will be held at the following locations and times:

– WAYNE RESA: November 29, 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

– SAGINAW ISD: December 1, 9 a.m.–Noon

– EASTERN UP ISD: December 1, 6–8 p.m. (Also available at satellite sites across the UP)

– CLARE/GLADWIN RESD: December 2, 1–3 p.m.

– INGHAM ISD: December 15, 9 a.m.–Noon

– KENT ISD: December 16, 9–11 a.m.

– JACKSON ISD: December 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.