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.
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.
In addition, Governor Baker announced Monday that the state of emergency that was declared last March will be lifted on June 15, 2021. The expiration of the state of emergency will impact several policies put in place last year to provide relief during the pandemic. One policy, the special waiver that allows public retirees to return to work without facing a restriction on hours or earnings, is set to expire on June 15th. The waiver, supported by the Association, went into effect on March 10, 2020 and the rest of calendar year 2020. As the pandemic continued to impact the state the Association worked with the Legislature to secure an extension for 2021. However, the original language only pertained to the time period of the state of emergency.
The Association has been in contact with the Baker Administration as well as House and Senate leadership to extend the waiver through December 31, 2021. This would allow retirees who have been working throughout the pandemic to continue to fill critical roles both at state agencies and in their communities. Extension of the waiver through the calendar year would provide for an easier transition for retirees, employers and retirement systems for calculation purposes.