Staff Retirement Plan Board
Michigan’s economic future hinges on our state’s ability to attract good jobs and investments — and no factor is more critical in that endeavor than having an educated and trained workforce. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recognizes that, and it’s reflected in the new state budget that passed last Friday with overwhelming bipartisan support. The quality of […]
In the early hours of July 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders came to an agreement on School Aid and Higher Education budgets for the coming school year that continue to break records for funding opportunities for Michigan students and educators. With constant advocacy from Gov. Whitmer starting with her February budget proposal, the […]
Support our Students Our kids’ future is at stake. We all want a future where our kids are given every opportunity to succeed. But right now, our public schools are facing: Teacher and school staff shortages Dishonest attacks in an effort to divide teachers and parents Lack of funding for the mental health support our [...]
Launch Michigan — a broad coalition of education, labor, business, philanthropic and civic organizations dedicated to improving Michigan’s education system for all students — has released its Framework for transforming Michigan’s educational system to equip students for a world economy. The Framework is unique in its scope, ambition, and density. No other education transformation effort […]
UPDATED May 23 Countering historic budget proposals from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the state House and Senate have approved separate school spending recommendations for the 2022-23 school year. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had proposed an $18.4 billion education budget that invests heavily in student wellness and educator recruitment and retention. The Senate passed a $17.9 billion school […]
A lot has changed with teaching in the three decades since I began as a student teacher in Oak Park Schools — much of it to the detriment of Michigan children, educators and families. If policymakers don’t take immediate action to support aspiring and early career educators, Michigan students will face irreparable harm. I remember […]
MEA member Joe Ligaj has a blunt message for school administrators and state-level policymakers concerned about educator shortages: If you pay them, they will come. “This is just basic economics—Econ 101,” the president of the Lincoln Park Education Association (LPEA) said. “There’s a labor shortage, and the way to address that is through the contract: […]
By Jo Bird MEA-Retired When I was a teacher in Zeeland for 31 years, I continued learning and growing throughout my career. Now that I am retired, I keep on fighting for public education. I will never stop, and I hope everyone reading this will join me in this important election year. A lot of […]
Public Service Loan Forgiveness program The federal government’s limited waiver period for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program ended on Oct. 31. Countless educators applied before the deadline, so it may take some time to hear back about your application and loan forgiveness. Between MEA and NEA, thousands of educators received help to get […]