By Bob Katzen
Senate 39-0, approved legislation that would allow longtime public school teachers the opportunity, until mid-2027, to join “Retirement Plus” and buy into an enhanced savings program if they missed out when the program was first established in 2001.
“For too long, teachers who missed the original Retirement Plus enrollment period because of confusing procedures, inadequate notice, administrative errors or time spent on maternity or medical leave have been denied benefits they believed they were working toward,” said Sen. Liz Miranda (D-Boston), the sponsor of an earlier version of the legislation. “In many cases, these educators have had to delay retirement, faced with the impossible decision between working well into old age and retiring without the security of knowing if there’s enough in the bank. This legislation creates a fair, one-time opportunity for these educators to enroll in Retirement Plus.”
“I was proud to be lead co-sponsor of this legislation and I am thrilled to see us get one step closer to fixing this issue for thousands of teachers in my district and across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “Due to administrative confusion when the Retirement Plus program launched, many teachers lost out on their opportunity to join this essential program. Thanks to this legislative fix we passed through the Senate, up to 8,500 eligible teachers will have a one-time window until June 30, 2027, to buy into the program and secure the enhanced retirement benefits they deserve and should have received decades ago.”
“My staff and I have family and friends that are educators, and I know how rewarding and challenging of a profession it is,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “The wraparound services that educators provide now for students are the most comprehensive they’ve ever been, and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the work educators do. The journey for this bill has been quite long, with many ups and downs, and I’m thrilled that the Senate was able to get this bill across the finish line this session. Massachusetts educators do some of the most important work in our society, and they deserve the right to opt-in to Retirement Plus.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes