Learn MTA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
Published: January 2025
Background
In 2001, when RetirementPlus was first introduced, many teachers encountered a confusing enrollment process. Some never received an enrollment form while others were led to believe they were automatically enrolled in Retirement Plus, only later learning that they were not. The MTA has worked to rectify these issues administratively, however, an August 2023 ruling by the Division of Administrative Law Appeals has made it clear that legislation is needed to fix this problem.
In the ruling, DALA stated “that a 2001 teacher cannot join the § 5(4) benefits program [RetirementPlus] after missing the mid-2001 deadline, even in sympathy-provoking cases, and even if the teacher received no notice about the § 5(4) program” from their retirement system. This unfortunate but clear statement from DALA makes passing legislation the only way to rectify this unfair process.
FAQ on RetirementPlus Legislation
On July 30, the Massachusetts House of Representative passed the RetirementPlus bill H.4361 (formerly H.2932) with a unanimous vote and has been sent to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. In addition, the version of the bill filed in the Senate (S.1884) was reported favorably by the Committee on Public Service and was also sent to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. This means that the Senate can act on either bill, but it is important to remember that there is no deadline for when a bill needs to move out of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. So, we are asking that MTA members continue to contact their senator and ask them to support a Fair Fix for RetirementPlus.
Bills in the Legislature
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Support
H.2932 An Act Relative to Benefits for Teachers malegislature.gov
Introduced on January 2025
Lead Sponsors: Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) | Rep. Rob Consalvo (D-Boston) Allows teachers hired before July 1, 2001, who did not provide a written election to participate in RetirementPlus, to have a second opportunity to do so.
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Support
S.1884 An Act Relative to Teacher Retirement Election malegislature.gov
Introduced on January 2025
Lead Sponsors: Sen. Liz Miranda (D-Boston) Allows teachers hired before July 1, 2001, who did not provide a written election to participate in RetirementPlus, to have a second opportunity to do so.
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