Articles about Politics that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2013: The Association will be in Pittsfield, MA this Friday for our annual Berkshire Area Meeting, held once again at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
As is typically the case with all Association events, the meeting begins at 1:00 PM and runs until approximately 3:00. Association officials will be on hand to answer member's questions, as well as to provide an update on the latest retirement news. Attendance prizes will be drawn at the close of the meeting.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2013: Yesterday, the 18-member Executive Board of the Mass. Association of Contributory Retirement Systems (MACRS) unanimously voted to oppose legislation that would require the State’s Pension Fund Board (PRIM Board) to divest all holdings in the Fund, which include fossil fuel such as oil, gas and coal.
Base Increase Opposed By Mayor Fiorentini
SEPTEMBER 11, 2013: Last night, the Haverhill City Council tabled a request by the Haverhill Retirement Board that would have raised the cost-of-living base for its retirees.
The initiative, voted 3-2 by the Retirement Board, would have increased the base amount, which is currently $12,000, by $1,000 per year for each of the next three years, capping at $15,000 in 2016.
Frank Valeri To Take Reins In December
SEPTEMBER 10, 2013: Beginning this December, our Association will have a new President.
In something of a surprise to many members, at last Friday’s Annual Meeting and biannual election, President Ralph White announced that he was not seeking election for a new two-year term.
White is Candidate
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013: Although no longer President of the Association, Ralph White will remain active in the public retirement arena.
His first chore is to win reelection to the State Board of Retirement for a new three-year term beginning in January. The election is now underway.
H59 Retiree Insurance Reform Eyed For Fall
SEPTEMBER 2013 VOICE: The Joint Committee on Public Service has favorably released a key bill of particular importance to public retirees.
Under the direction of Co-Chairmen, Senator Will Brownsberger and Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, the Committee unanimously advanced legislation aimed at correcting Option B & C pensions for pre-July 2004 retirees (H2354). Also, among the bills heard by Public Service, is our legislation which increases basic state life insurance benefits from $5,000 to $10,000 (H2288).
GIC Contribution Percent Intact For State Retirees
May 24, 2013: There are no unwelcome surprises for retirees and survivors in the Senate version of the FY’14 State Budget, approved Thursday night. In fact, the $34 Billion package includes some good news for retired state employees and teachers.
37 Local Systems Adopt July Increase
APRIL 25, 2013: This week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the $34 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which begins July 1. Contained within the budget is a full 3% COLA for eligible state and teacher retirees, which will be applied to a $13,000 base.
By Josh Hicks
Washington Post
April 8, 2013
Legislative Focus On Taxes & Transportation
APRIL 4, 2013: While concern over potential sweeping changes in retiree healthcare benefits grows amongst active employees, legislative action on Governor Patrick’s H59 now appears to be on a slow track.
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.
