The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Chandra Madafferi in response to the introduction of HB 5803 and SB 911. These bills propose reducing the capped rate that schools must contribute to the state educator retirement system by 7% and eliminating the 3% contribution from school employees for retiree health care, now that the system is overfunded.

“We commend Sen. Hertel and Rep. Koleszar for bringing forward this essential legislation. It moves us closer to relieving our public schools from an unfair financial burden, allowing us to redirect more resources towards enhancing student success. Enacting these bills and centering the FY24-25 budget around them would mark a historic investment in public education. This action would signal Michigan’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of its schools, students, and educators.”