In 2001, Massachusetts introduced RetirementPlus, a program which allows teachers to retire a little earlier if they increase the amount they contribute to their pension to 11 percent of their salary. Teachers hired before July 1, 2001, had the option to elect to join RetirementPlus when it was enacted through an often-confusing process that led many to believe they were automatically enrolled, only later learning that they were not.

A bill, H.5136. which is currently in the Legislature, would create a fair and clear pathway for teachers hired before July 1, 2001, to have a second opportunity to join RetirementPlus. A recent ruling by the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) has made it clear that legislation is needed to fix this problem. The bill, passed by the House of Representatives on Dec. 12, is now heading to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The Legislature needs to pass this bill before the session ends on December 31 or it will need to be refiled, restarting the entire process in the next legislative session.

CALL AND EMAIL YOUR STATE SENATOR NOW! Ask them to urge the Senate President and the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means to support H.5136, which will give teachers a second chance to buy back into RetirementPlus. You can find your legislators' contact numbers by clicking here.

More information about the bill is available here.