- MPSERS Rate Reduction Signed into Law
- MASB Legislative Priority Meetings are Underway
- Election Day is a Month Away
- Save the Date: Views From the Capitol – Lame Duck Edition
MPSERS Rate Reduction Signed into Law
On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5803 as Public Act 127 of 2024. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), makes the MPSERS 5.75% rate reduction permanent for school districts, eliminates the 3% employee contribution and changes current law, allowing the $670 million to be freed from having to be deposited into the overfunded MPSERS retiree healthcare system. The rate reduction and elimination of the 3% will become permanent on October 1, 2025, as both issues are addressed in this year’s budget.
In a press release with MASA, MASSP and Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity, touting the signing of the bill, MASB’s Executive Director Don Wotruba stated: “This law is a positive change for schools and educators. By lowering MPSERS costs, districts will be able to prioritize funding that directly impacts student learning. We are grateful to Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Royal Oak) for making this issue a priority during the most recent budget discussions and ensuring it remained at the forefront.”
This change will have a positive impact on our public schools across the state and reflects the work they have taken to pay off the debt for retirement healthcare within the MPSERS system. It will not affect the pension portion of the system, which is on track to be fully funded in 2038.
We thank Reps. Koleszar and Weiss for their leadership on this issue and Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) for his work on the final product. With the signing of HB 5803, Michigan schools will experience long-term financial relief, providing opportunities to invest more deeply in educational resources and support for staff.
MASB Legislative Priority Meetings are Underway
Legislative Priority Setting Meetings are scheduled throughout the state in September, October and November. These meetings bring together board members, superintendents and MASB’s Government Relations staff to brainstorm your Association’s focus for the 2024-2025 legislative session. Meetings in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 have already taken place. Next week, we’ll have two meetings in Region 8. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, we will be at Macomb ISD at 7 p.m., and Thursday, Oct 10, at Wayne RESA, at 6:30 pm.
All events are free and start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please join us and encourage your local colleagues—board members and superintendents alike—to participate in these important events. MASB’s legislative agenda is only as strong as the number of voices that create it. If you can’t attend the day of your region’s meeting or missed it, feel free to attend another one that is convenient for you.
You can find a complete list of all the regional meetings and links to the free registration on our website. If you have any questions, please contact the Government Relations Team.
Election Day is a Month Away!
The November election is about a month away! Are you ready? There are now multiple options for casting your vote in this important election.
As always, you can vote in person on election day, Nov. 5, 2024, or by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots have been mailed out, but you can still request one from your local clerk. You do not need a reason for wanting to vote absentee, you simply need to fill out the request form for a ballot.
Starting during the August primary election, Michigan now has in-person early voting. Early voting is held at specific sites in each jurisdiction beginning on Saturday, October 26, and ending Sunday, Nov 3. If you are interested in voting early you can find your polling location on the Secretary of State’s Elections website.
You can also view your sample ballot on the Michigan Voter Information Center. This will show you everything on your ballot as well as help you find your Election Day polling place.
Talk to your friends and family about their voting options and encourage them to take advantage of this easy process. Whether you vote on Election Day (Nov. 5, 2024), early in-person or with an absentee ballot, make sure your voice is heard through a submitted ballot!
Save the Date: Views From the Capitol – Lame Duck Edition
Once the election is complete, the attention will turn to the lame duck session of the Legislature. Join your MASB Government Relations Team as we discuss what we are watching for in lame duck, what rumors are still swirling and take your questions.
The webinar will be held on Monday, November 18 at noon. Registration will open later this month.