Issues

Update: Post-Retirement Work Hours Budget Language and Special Waiver Extension in The Works

Update: Post-Retirement Work Hours Budget Language and Special Waiver Extension in The Works

June 2, 2021 - Last Thursday the State Senate completed their FY22 budget debate and soon the conference committee will begin their work to hammer out a final document. As reported prior, the House voted unanimously to support the Mass Retirees amendment, filed by Representative Mark Cusack, that would increase the post retirement work hours from 960 hours to 1200 hours. While Senator Mike Brady did file the same amendment on the Senate side the language was not included.

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.

MassPRIM embraces diverse FUTURE

MassPRIM embraces diverse FUTURE

Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, Boston, unveiled an initiative to substantially increase its allocation to diverse and emerging managers.

The goal of the FUTURE initiative, which was presented to MassPRIM's investment committee meeting Tuesday , is to bring the pension plan's exposure to emerging and diverse managers to at least 20%.

Support for Social Security WEP Reform Grows

Support for Social Security WEP Reform Grows

Active Employees Join with Retirees in National Campaign

APRIL 29, 2021: Our all-out drive to pass a reform of the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is showing early signs of success, as a growing number of state and national organizations are publicly backing the passage of H.R. 2337.

House Unanimously Approves Increase in Post-Retirement Work

House Unanimously Approves Increase in Post-Retirement Work

Budget Section Boosts Hours to 1,200 Annually

April 28, 2021: Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a Mass Retirees-backed amendment to the FY22 State Budget that would increase the hours for post-retirement public sector work by 240 hours annually.

FY22 COLA marks 23 years of increases

FY22 COLA marks 23 years of increases

APRIL 23, 2021 WEEKLY UPDATE: Before I jump into the news of the week, let me first remind you of our upcoming Tele-Town Hall event taking place next Friday, April 30th, at 1:00 PM EST. The topic will be the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC), with guest speaker Executive Director John Parsons. PERAC is the state agency that oversees and regulates our public retirement systems. It plays a critical role in pension policy.

Another year, another step toward ditching the WEP?

Another year, another step toward ditching the WEP?

By Nicole Ogrysko @nogryskoWFED

April 5, 2021 

Occasionally, I’ll get an email or a question from a federal retiree about the Windfall Elimination Provision.

The WEP is so complex, but the questions surrounding it are usually the same. What’s the status of legislation to ditch it, or at least bring some relief to the 3% of Social Security beneficiaries who have to deal with it?

WEP Reform Bill Reintroduced

WEP Reform Bill Reintroduced

APRIL 2, 2021: Congressman Richard Neal has reintroduced his Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reform proposal for 2021-22 Congressional Session with the support of the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation.

GIC Insurance Rates Announced

GIC Insurance Rates Announced

MARCH 4, 2021: Group Insurance Commission Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Plan Rates: The Group Insurance Commission held their monthly meeting to set the premium rates for FY22 ahead of the open enrollment process.  As we were anticipating from previous meetings the Commission voted on a 5.2% average increase across all plans, non-Medicare and Medicare plans. Overall, the average increase for the six Medicare plans is 2.3%.  The most popular plan, the UniCare OME plan, has an increase, 2.2%, which equates to a total $8.94 increase for FY22.

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.