In 2001, Massachusetts introduced RetirementPlus, a program that 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, needed 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.

The Massachusetts House has included language in its version of the budget that that would create a fair and clear pathway for teachers hired before July 1, 2001, to have a new opportunity to join RetirementPlus. The Senate is expected to finalize its budget in late May and after that a conference committee will be established to create the legislatures final version of the budget, which will likely be released in late June or early July.

In addition, there are two bills that have been filed that would do the same (S.1884/H.4361 - formerly H.2932), these bills are on a separate track and timeline.

CALL AND EMAIL YOUR STATE SENATOR NOW! Ask them to include a Fair Fix for RetirementPlus in the final version of the Senate's FY27 budget. You can find your legislators' phone numbers by clicking here.

More information is available here.