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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.

Budget contains good news for retirees

Weekly Mass Retirees News update

By Shawn Duhamel, CEO Mass Retirees Association

Before I jump into this week’s news, let me first remind you that our November Tele-Town Hall meeting takes place today (Friday) at 1:00 PM ET. The focus of today’s meeting will be the FY 21 State Budget, which is also the main subject of this email.

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.

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.

VOTE NO ON QUESTION 2

VOTE NO ON QUESTION 2

Ranked Choice Voting = Confusingly Bad Idea 

OCTOBER 2, 2020: As increased partisanship has led to further polarization and voter apathy, it is natural for people to seek ways to improve our system of democracy and find new ways to encourage election participation. While we believe that Question 2, so-called Ranked Choice Voting, is well intentioned, the change to our voting process that a Yes vote would bring about is both highly confusing and truly a bad idea. 

Active Employees: Become a Mass Retirees Subscriber

Active Employees: Become a Mass Retirees Subscriber

WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MASS RETIREES SUBSCRIBER?

Having worked with public retirees and their families for over five decades, Mass Retirees recognizes the growing importance that active public employees place in preparing to make a life-changing decision on your retirement. To best be prepared, it goes without question that you hope to fully informed and knowledgeable. Mass Retirees can help you better understand all aspects of public retirement - including your pension, insurance, as well as Social Security and Medicare.

Back From Hiatus

Back From Hiatus

Our weekly updates are back after a short August hiatus. Remember, we include a video update from me within these emails. Click on the photo or the link below to watch/listen to the latest news and information. My goal is to keep our members well informed. 

This week the focus is the Primary Election here in Massachusetts. While Election Day is Tuesday, September 1, vote by mail and early voting have been ongoing throughout August. In a recent survey we conducted, more than 70% of Mass Retirees members indicated that they intended to vote by mail.

Tablet for Seniors Helps Identify COVID-19 Symptoms

Tablet for Seniors Helps Identify COVID-19 Symptoms

A tablet made by a Massachusetts company is using artificial intelligence to help seniors with chronic health conditions as well as to identify symptoms of the novel coronavirus. The technology is empowering seniors to have more control of their health and avoid trips to the doctor and hospital.