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.

Two new bills (HD.3452 & S.1884) were recently filed that would create a fair and clear pathway for teachers hired before July 1, 2001, to have a new 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.

CALL AND EMAIL YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS NOW! Ask them to support and co-sponsor HD.3452 & S.1884, which will give teachers a second chance to enroll in RetirementPlus. You can find your legislators' phone numbers by clicking here.

More information about the bill is available here.