Breaking News

CPI hits 8.7%

October 14, 2022: Thursday morning’s announcement by the Social Security Administration of an 8.7% COLA increase for 2023, while not unexpected, confirms what we already knew – inflation has placed substantial financial pressure on retirees. In fact, an 8.7% Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the largest increase since 1981, when inflation hit 11.2%!

New developments with Social Security

September 23, 2022: This week brought major developments in the nationwide fight to repeal or reform the Social Security WEP and GPO laws. One of these developments was history making.

Retirees were heard

9/9/22 Weekly Update: By CEO Shawn Duhamel

Before I jump into the news of the week, let me first remind everyone that our Annual Meeting takes place today (Friday) at Lombardo’s in Randolph. The meeting will kick off at 11AM. As is the case at all Mass Retirees meetings, members can bring a guest.

The truth about the WEP & GPO

8/5/2022 Weekly Update: While the bulk of today’s (long and detailed) email is on the status of the Social Security WEP & GPO legislation, allow me to remind you of today’s (Friday) Tele-Town Hall Meeting as well as provide a quick update on developments with the local option for the 5% COLA.

5% COLA approved by legislature

Awaits Approval By Governor Baker

By: Shawn Duhamel, Chief Executive Officer

Mass Retirees Association

Our efforts to pass a 5% COLA for FY23 took a major step forward this week when the legislature unanimously approved the measure as part of the annual the State Budget.

Governor Signs Post Retirement Work “Waiver” Law

No Hour & Income Restrictions for Non-Disability Retirees In Public Service During 2022

June 10, 2022: Governor Charlie Baker has signed into law H4456 that waives both the hour and income restrictions (imposed by Section 91 of Chapter 32) on retirees who are in public service employment during 2022. It became Chapter 80 of the Acts of 2022.

House Approves Largest COLA Increase Since 1992

Local Retirement Systems Empowered to Increase COLA Up To 5%

APRIL 27, 2022: Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously approved a 5% increase in the FY23 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for State and Teacher Retirees. The measure also contains authorization for the state’s 102 local retirement systems to increase local COLAs from 3-5% by a majority vote of the retirement board.

COLA improvements pending before House

APRIL 22, 2022: After nearly a year of preparation by our Association, debate is about to begin in the House of Representatives on proposals that would make improvements to the annual COLA benefit paid to public retirees. Mass Retirees has sponsored two amendments to the House FY23 budget - #1136 filed by Representative Ken Gordon and #1411 filed by Representative Mark Cusack.

Before I get into the specifics of the two amendments, let me first remind you of two upcoming Mass Retirees meetings.

House FY23 Budget Contains 3% State and Teacher COLA

Amendments Filed to Improve COLA Benefits

APRIL 19, 2022: On Wednesday the House released their version of the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget. This marks the next stage of the budget process, which began in January when Governor Baker filed his proposal. The $49.6 billion dollar budget included two items of significance to retirees. First, as in the Governor’s proposal, the House fully funded the Group Insurance Commission, making sure health insurance will once again remain stable.

Very exciting news to share

Weekly Update 4/8/2022: It is always a great day when we can share good news with our members. Since I have two pieces of very positive news to share, I suppose it makes today exceptionally good!

Retirees

Public Employees

Ralph White 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.