Your Retirement

Articles about Your Retirement that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees.

President's Message: Share the Success!

September 2021 VoiceThere is no question that the tremendous investment success of the Commonwealth and local retirement systems should be celebrated. When modern pension funding schedules were implemented in the mid-1980s, no one could have envisioned the high level of asset gains that would come to fruition over the ensuing 36 years. 

AGGRESSIVE FUNDING & PROPER INVESTMENT MEET GOALS

September 2021 Voice: When the proper funding of our 104 public retirement systems began in 1985, the majority of Massachusetts systems were woefully underfunded. Back then the Commonwealth was the 2nd worst unfunded system in the country – second only to West Virginia! 

Weekly Update: Latest Retirement News

Weekly Update: Latest Retirement News

By Shawn Duhamel, Chief Executive Officer

A special town hall meeting Friday, 6/25

A special town hall meeting Friday, 6/25

June 18, 2021 - Weekly News Update: A big benefit of holding Tele-Town Hall meetings is that they enhance our ability to bring important guest speakers to our members on a regular basis. 

Senate Passes Post-Retirement Work Waiver Extension

Senate Passes Post-Retirement Work Waiver Extension

June 10, 2021-Thursday the Senate passed the Post-Retirement Work Waiver Extension amendment as part of legislation that addressed policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current waiver was set to expire when the Governor’s state of emergency order expired on June 15th

Work Continues on Post Retirement Budget Amendment and State of Emergency Special Waiver

Work Continues on Post Retirement Budget Amendment and State of Emergency Special Waiver

MAY 20, 2021: The State Senate will begin their budget process next week. The Association worked with Senator Michael Brady (D-Brockton), who cochairs the Public Service Committee, to file an amendment (Floor Amendment No. 94) that would increase the post retirement work hours from 960 to 1200. The amendment mirrors that which was included in the House budget last month. The language would increase the weekly average from 18.5 hours to 23 hours, bringing more in line with traditional part time work. The amendment does not change the earnings restriction.

New Leadership on Beacon Hill

New Leadership on Beacon Hill

Friday, February 19, 2021: Today marks the completion of the bill filing process for the 2021-22 Legislative Session here in Massachusetts. A complete list of our Association’s legislative proposals, as well as the lead legislative sponsors of our bills, is contained within our March newsletter. You should receive your copy of The Voice this week.

One Million More Eligible for Vaccine on Thursday

One Million More Eligible for Vaccine on Thursday

Baker: High-Volume Sites Will Speed Process

Katie Lannan -  State House News Service

February 17, 2021: 

Massachusetts will roughly double the population eligible for COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, when people over age 65, the residents and staff of affordable and low-income housing for seniors, and people with two or more health conditions that put them at higher risk will be newly able to make appointments.

Vaccine Call Center Goes Live for 75 and Older

Vaccine Call Center Goes Live for 75 and Older

Guv: Weekday Operation Will Be "Huge Help"

Chris Lisinski, State House News Service

FEB. 5, 2021.....More than a week after Gov. Charlie Baker first directed adults 75 and older to start booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments through an online-only platform, a state-run call center aimed at helping seniors who struggle to access or navigate the website is now live.

Latest news on vaccinations in MA

Latest news on vaccinations in MA

January 26, 2021: Last Friday, Shawn Duhamel reported on a request we made last week to the state of Massachusetts to prioritize the vaccination of all adults age 65+. I am happy to report that Governor Charlie Baker has heeded this request and that the vast majority of our members will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.