- Legislation to Permanently Lower MPSERS Rate Gets a Lot of Attention
- House Education Committee Holds Hearing on Seizure Training
- Tobacco Free Kids Presents to Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee
- Join Us for Views From the Capitol – Budget Edition
Legislation to Permanently Lower MPSERS Rate Gets a Lot of Attention
As we’ve previously reported, legislation was introduced in both the Senate (Senate Bill 911) and the House (House Bill 5803) reflecting our proposal to lower the MPSERS rate for districts from 20.96% to 13.96% and remove the requirement that certain employees pay 3% into the healthcare fund.
Our coalition was given assurances by House Leadership that HB5803 would be brought up for debate and a vote on Thursday. However, the House unexpectedly adjourned without taking action. Later that afternoon, the Senate brought up Senate Bill 911. The bill was amended to only address removing the 3% requirement for employees and the mandate that the state make a specified deposit into the OPEB health care fund.
The change was disappointing, but moving the bill was necessary in order to keep the conversations going and create a path for the bill to move with the budget next week. The education coalition remains committed to our proposal and will continue working with lawmakers to find a solution that provides financial relief to educators and school districts and frees up much-needed funding for the classroom.
To that end, we invite you to join us on Tuesday for a joint lobby day with educators and superintendents in support of the statutory reduction to the MPSERS rate. We encourage you to wear Red for Ed and meet us at the House Office Building in Lansing between 9 and 10 am or at the Capitol during the day. House session begins at 10:00 am.
House Education Committee Holds Hearing on Seizure Training
On Tuesday, the House Education Committee began hearings on House Bill 5329 which would require training for the recognition of and treatment of seizures in schools. This includes a requirement that all school personnel complete training on seizure recognition, seizure first-aid response and understand the features of a seizure medical emergency.
MASB agrees that seizure training is needed but opposes HB5329 due to the requirement that all school personnel be trained. The bill would require positions such as administrative assistants, cooks, custodians and maintenance to be trained. We would rather see targeted training for specific staff. We are working with the bill sponsor to address our concerns and further hearings are expected.
Tobacco Free Kids Presents to Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee
On Thursday, the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee heard a presentation from Tobacco Free Kids and the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance coalition. The coalition is comprised of 120 health organizations focused on ending tobacco use among our children. The Alliance is chaired by leaders from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Their presentation focused on how vaping (e-cigarettes) continues to increase with young adults and teens. 2019 research from the University of Michigan found that 30% of Michigan High Schoolers have reported vaping. Vaping products contain highly addictive nicotine and can be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.
Unfortunately, manufacturers of vaping products continue to market to youth by using candy flavors and modifying the shape and size of devices to look like highlighters and small toys. Flavors like bubble gum, blue razzberry and grape blow pop are common in most brands. The electronic devices used to vape are designed to make concealment easier.
Legislation has been introduced to address advertising to minors, licensing of tobacco retailers and penalties for selling to minors. The bills, Senate Bills 651-654, have been stalled in committee.
MASB supports the bills and believes they are important to the health and wellbeing of our youth. We encourage you to pass a resolution in support of the Protect Mi Kids legislation. A draft resolution is available for your use. This resolution and your voice will help in moving this vital legislation forward.
Join Us for Views From the Capitol – Budget Edition
Mark your calendars for the State Budget edition of the Views From the Capitol webinar on Friday, June 28 at 9:00 a.m. Jason Helsen, Associate Executive Director for the Michigan School Business Officials will join Jennifer Smith, MASB Director of Government Relations to discuss the final School Aid Budget for 2024-2025.
Please note that the time and date may change if the budget is not sent to the Governor by Thursday, June 27.
Registration is now open, bring your questions and join us!