Granholm retirement proposals introduced as bills

Yesterday afternoon, Gov. Granholm's retirement proposals were introduced as bills, the first step in the legislative process that could lead to them becoming law.

In the Michigan Senate, the bills were introduced as SB 1226 (sponsored by Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Grand Rapids) and SB 1227 (sponsored by Sen. Judd Gilbert, R-Algonac). SB 1226 is the bill to amend the State Employees Retirement System and SB 1227 is the bill to amend the Public School Employees Retirement System.

On the House side, the bill that would apply to school employees is HB 5953 (sponsored by Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Brighton), while the one for state employees bill is HB 5954 (sponsored by Rep. Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham).

At first glance, these bills are true to the governor's proposal and implement it just as she proposed last month. An MEA analysis is under way to confirm that and to get out more details on the bills. By rule, the bills must sit in both chambers at least five days before they can be acted on.

MEA members are encouraged to contact their representative and senator (as well as the governor) and continue urging them to oppose changes that force school employees to retire before they are ready while penalizing those who stay behind to serve Michigan's students.

March 16, 2010