Articles about Legislation that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees.
Affordability, Representation and Transparency Key Issues
JULY 25, 2019: Mass Retirees and union leaders packed a State House hearing today that focused on a legislation impacting health, dental and life insurance benefits for public retirees and active employees. Chaired by Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly) and Senator Mike Brady (D-Brockton), the Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on more than 40 bills, nine of which are sponsored by Mass Retirees.
To Be Paid in August and Retroactive To July 1
JULY 23, 2019: State & Teacher retirees are set to receive their 21st consecutive annual COLA. On Monday, the legislature approved the $43.1 billion Fiscal Year 2020 budget, which contains the 3% COLA on a $13,000 base.
STATEHOUSE, BOSTON, JULY 21, 2019 (STATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE) – Three weeks after the start of the new fiscal year, Democratic leaders finalized a fiscal 2020 budget agreement over the weekend to end a weeks-long stalemate and authorize $43.1 billion in state government spending over the next year.
By Michael P. Norton, Matt Murphy, Katie Lannan and Chris Lisinski / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
BOSTON – State lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker will head into another new fiscal year Monday without an annual budget in place.
Survivor Remarriage Bill Among First Heard
APRIL 9, 2019: A City of Boston home-rule petition allowing surviving spouses to retain their health insurance coverage upon remarriage was among a dozen bills heard before the Joint Committee on Public Service’s inaugural hearing on Tuesday.
Strong Support for Public Retirees Across Beacon Hill Leadership
FEBRUARY 14, 2019: Valentine’s Day marks the beginning of a new era of legislative leadership on Beacon Hill, with the House and Senate naming committee chairs.
With vacant chairs on both House and Senate Ways and Means Committees, speculation has swirled for months on which two legislators would be tapped to head what are arguably the most important of legislative committee posts.
Bill Filing Deadline January 18th
JANUARY 3, 2019: The Massachusetts 2019-2020 Legislative Session officially began Tuesday, with the inauguration of the state’s 160 State Representatives and 40 Senators. Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito begin their 2nd term in office today.
Pension Funds Cited As Positive Economic Factor
DECEMBER 5, 2018: This morning the state’s top budget, revenue and fiscal officials conducted what’s known at the Revenue Consensus Hearing. The annual State House meeting kicks off the coming budget debate for FY 2020.
Rejects Governor’s Counter Proposal
AUGUST 1, 2018: Late last night, the Legislature reapproved Mass Retirees proposal increasing the limit on public sector post retirement employment to 1,200 hours annually.
The legislation, which is now known as H4821, increases the hourly limit part time work from the current limit of 960 hours to 1,200 per year. H4821 is now before Governor Charlie Baker, who has 10 days in which to either approve or veto the bill.
Mass Retirees Shocked By Governor’s Counter Proposal
JULY 26, 2018: Governor Charlie Baker has rejected a Mass Retirees proposal that would increase the hourly limit for retirees returning to part-time public sector work. Our proposal, which was also backed by the Mass Police and Professional Fire Fighters, was passed within the FY19 State budget as outside section 29.
Since 1968 the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association has been the leading voice for Massachusetts public retirees and their families. Join with our 52,000 members as we continue the fight.
