Issues

House & Senate Negotiate FY21 Budget Differences

House & Senate Negotiate FY21 Budget Differences

$46 Billion Budget Contains State/Teachers’ COLA

NOVEMBER 23, 2020: House and Senate leaders have begun negotiations over the FY21 budgets passed by each branch of the Legislature over the past two weeks. Since the House and Senate passed differing versions of the $46 billion spending plan, a compromise final version has to be negotiated in conference committee before receiving final approval and sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his approval.

A special guest

A special guest

NOVEMBER 20, 2020: This week, our Association President Frank Valeri joins me for our weekly video update. While it’s most often my face that our members see in these weekly updates, it’s important to remember that we have a team of people here at Mass Retirees working on your behalf. In the coming months you’ll be seeing and hearing more from them on a regular basis.

2021 Medicare Part B Premiums Remain Steady

November 6, 2020: Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2021 monthly Medicare Parts A and B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts in which the Medicare Part B monthly premium remains steady.

Experts Expect Stronger Focus on Medicare Price Negotiation Over Drug Importation if Biden Wins

3rd Interim Budget Funds State Through November

3rd Interim Budget Funds State Through November

COLA & Retiree Work Extension In-Works

October 27, 2020: Working in coordination, Governor Charlie Baker and the state legislature have passed a 3rd interim FY21 State Budget that funds the Commonwealth’s operations through November. The first interim budget was passed in late June, covering operations for the month of July. A second budget was then passed to continue operations through October.

SOCIAL SECURITY ANNOUNCES 1.3% COLA INCREASE FOR 2021

SOCIAL SECURITY ANNOUNCES 1.3% COLA INCREASE FOR 2021

Congress Caps 2021 Medicare Part B Premium

October 15, 2020: As just announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) this week, the benefits, payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries, will be increased by a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This COLA increase will begin on December 31, 2020.

Passing Social Security WEP Reform in 2020

Passing Social Security WEP Reform in 2020

The harm brought to nearly 2 million public retirees by the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is a serious problem that must be resolved. In Massachusetts alone, some 74,000 public retirees have had their Social Security benefit reduced by the WEP. The numbers grow every day as new retirees apply for Social Security.

Update on Social Security WEP Reform Legislation

Update on Social Security WEP Reform Legislation

Statement from House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal

Dear Mass Retirees:

WEP REFORM URGENCY BUILDS

WEP REFORM URGENCY BUILDS

National Advocacy Campaign Resumes

November 2020 Voice: Following six months in which the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis have commanded the full attention of the US Congress, the national advocacy campaign to reform the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) has resumed in earnest.

Mass. Economic Roundtable Provides Fiscal Update

Mass. Economic Roundtable Provides Fiscal Update

3% State / Teacher COLA Remains Delayed With FY21 Budget

October 7, 2020: State officials held a special Economic Roundtable meeting today focused on the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the Massachusetts economy and tax revenues.