Working closely with other executive agencies and departments, along with local municipalities, the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) has prioritized operating and capital improvements that enhance the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity posture. This program is amplified by the highly-regarded RESPECTfully public awareness campaign. APRIL 29, 2021: Our all-out drive to pass a reform of the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is showing early signs of success, as a growing number of state and national organizations are publicly backing the passage of H.R. Text of amendment number (6) relative to Comprehensive Early Retirement Incentive Program offered by Mr. The WEP is so complex, but the questions surrounding it are usually the same. The focus of today’s meeting will be the FY 21 State Budget, which is also the main subject of this email. House 2 includes a proposal for a new MBTA Board to replace the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB), which sunsets per state statute on June 30, 2020. House 2 supports $129.8 million in estimated spending by EOTSS to enable initiatives and investments such as deploying and utilizing new and secure devices across the Executive Branch, ensuring IT software and contract compliance, and carrying out the Information Governance Program. 3077, the Postal Service Improv… 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2021, and H.R. 70 & the Student Opportunity Act. 03-27-2021. If your local fails … This funding will be combined with capital dollars and other sources of funding for a total investment of approximately $15 million. Amendment S.49 189th (2015 - 2016) Amendment S.49. Charlie Baker’s plan to offer early retirement packages to thousands of state employees. Workforce Development: Career Technical Institutes. It provides $298 million for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs – in part to help support resiliency, preparedness, and data collection efforts. MCDHH will work with higher education institutions that offer ASL to increase the interpreter workforce and develop a Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) training and mentorship program. This recommendation includes the Part B individual income tax rate decreasing to 5% effective January 1, 2020. “The bill backed by Sen. Peter Harckham and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti would create early retirement incentives for workers 55 and older who have 10 … The House 2 recommendation includes another increase in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA). Rental Voucher Program, including on and off budget sources, a $12.5 million (12%) increase above FY20 spending to support 9,427 vouchers, $72 million in funding for local housing authorities, $27.2 million for the HomeBASE household assistance initiative, an increase of $1.6 million (6.2%) over FY20 spending, $7.5 million for the DMH rental subsidy program for over 1,400 families and individuals, To access the Governor’s filing letter, budget message, and specific account information click, to Governor Baker Files Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Proposal, in the scale of 1, Strongly Disagree, to 5, Strongly Agree, Professional Training & Career Development, Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. 58526. You can search 2012-2021 pensions and retirement bills by topic, primary author, state, bill number, status or keyword. This significant increase is an example of responsible governance and will help provide a buffer for essential government services in the event of a future recession or economic downturn. A second budget was then passed to continue operations through October. State 2004 Early Retirement Incentive Program (PDF 106.98 KB) Open PDF file, 148.08 KB, for. What’s the status of legislation to ditch it, or at least bring some relief to the 3% of Social Security beneficiaries who have to deal with it? The multiplier for general state employees in MSEP is 1.6%; it is 1.7% for general state employees in MSEP 2000 and MSEP 2011. APRIL 23, 2021 WEEKLY UPDATE: Before I jump into the news of the week, let me first remind you of our upcoming Tele-Town Hall event taking place next Friday, April 30th, at 1:00 PM EST. Last year, alongside its FY20 budget proposal, the Administration filed legislation to increase investments in local school districts and ensure every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a high-quality education. For Press Inquiries Only. A complete list of our Association’s legislative proposals, as well as the lead legislative sponsors of our bills, is contained within our March newsletter. Union Local Tax Issues Federal law now requires that every local union file an annual information return—Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N—with the IRS. MTF said its fiscal 2021 budget model demonstrates "the financial squeeze caused by low-growth tax revenue expectations and rising spending" related to … We will use this information to improve the site. Mass.gov® is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This budget continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitments to addressing the impacts of climate change. October 7, 2020: State officials held a special Economic Roundtable meeting today focused on the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the Massachusetts economy and tax revenues. For the fourth consecutive year, the budget proposal fully funds the Turning 22 Program at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and other agencies, supporting a class of over 1,300 young adults and making good on the Administration’s commitment to fully support a program that was underfunded for nearly three decades. In April 2015, Governor Baker re-launched the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence and elevated the Council to the Governor’s Office. Join with our 52,000 members as we continue the fight. Charlie Baker released a plan this week to trim the state workforce through early retirement incentives. January 26, 2021: Last Friday, Shawn Duhamel reported on a request we made last week to the state of Massachusetts to prioritize the vaccination of all adults age 65+. The numbers grow every day as new retirees apply for Social Security. This includes $303.5 million in increased funding for Chapter 70 education aid to local cities, towns, and regional school districts as well as $23.2 million for additional charter school tuition reimbursement, $17.3 million in additional support for special education circuit breaker reimbursement for cities and towns, $10 million for the new Twenty-First Century Education Trust fund, which will supplement $12.6 million for Targeted Assistance to close achievement gaps in low-performing schools, and $1 million for data support. By Shawn Duhamel, CEO Mass Retirees Association. APRIL 2, 2021: Congressman Richard Neal has reintroduced his Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reform proposal for 2021-22 Congressional Session with the support of the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation. This funding will be combined with capital. Office of the Governor Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 2319) of Adrian C. Madaro and Joseph A. Boncore relative to an early retirement incentive program for employees of the Massachusetts Port Authority. Governor Karyn Polito, Executive Office for Administration and Finance, Governor’s filing letter, budget message, and specific account information. Our plan fully funds the first year of the Student Opportunity Act and will make critical investments in the MBTA, our transportation system and workforce development to keep the Commonwealth on track to support our booming economy. October 27, 2020: Working in coordination, Governor Charlie Baker and the state legislature have passed a 3rd interim FY21 State Budget that funds the Commonwealth’s operations through November. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), EEC funding has increased by over $230 million (44%), helping to support the healthy growth and development of all children by providing high-quality programs and resources for families and communities. The budget also includes $2.1 million for the Office of the Child Advocate. Your feedback will not receive a response. Since 1968 the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association has been the leading voice for Massachusetts public retirees and their families. It'll cost the state … Primary Sidebar. golf. “Today, we are offering a budget that balances fiscal responsibility with key investments to support our residents ranging from education reform to the Commonwealth’s transportation system,” said Governor Charlie Baker. The FY21 budget recommends $4 million in funding for Community Compact related programs, including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants. Occasionally, I’ll get an email or a question from a federal retiree about the Windfall Elimination Provision. This FY21 budget fully funds the first year of the historic Student Opportunity Act with a total of $355 million in new spending related to this landmark education legislation. To continue to deliver a safe, reliable, and effective transportation system, the budget provides a total increase of $216.7 million for transportation entities throughout the Commonwealth. An Act providing for an early retirement incentive program for employees of the Massachusetts Port Authority By Mr. Madaro of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. Charlie Baker hopes to convince about 4,500 state workers to take early retirement. finance. In the coming months you’ll be seeing and hearing more from them on a regular basis. Retirement benefits for general state employees are calculated using a three-part formula: Final Average Pay (FAP) x credited service x a multiplier = Monthly Base Benefit. Over the last five years, with Lieutenant Governor Polito as Chair, the Council has successfully worked to help individuals, children and families of the Commonwealth live a life free of sexual assault and domestic violence. Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, Boston, unveiled an initiative to substantially increase its allocation to diverse and emerging managers. 04:14 PM ET (US) "The truth" is that this is a discussion board whose subject is Early Retirement but that doesn't apply to you. PERAC is the state agency that oversees and regulates our public retirement systems. Governor Karyn Polito, and members of their administration are committed to making Massachusetts the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Do not include sensitive information, such as Social Security or bank account numbers. I am happy to report that Governor Charlie Baker has heeded this request and that the vast majority of our members will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on actual and projected collections, personal income tax bills have cumulatively been reduced by a total of approximately $2.7 billion since January 1, 2015. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said its fiscal 2021 budget model demonstrates "the financial squeeze caused by low-growth tax revenue expectations and rising spending" related to … This form only gathers feedback about the website. Hunt (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the Boston Retirement Board be authorized to increase the accidental disability retirement allowance payable to Terry Cotton, a … It plays a critical role in pension policy. This increase is equal to the 2.8% consensus projected growth rate for state tax revenue and provides an additional $31.6 million to cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, for a total UGGA investment of $1.160 billion. The final version now goes to Governor Baker for approval. The $3.61 billion FY21 Operating Budget and $3.00 billion FY21-FY25 Capital Plan come at a time of great local, national and international economic turbulence, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The budget proposes a two-phased effort to update and improve the current collection and remittance procedure for the state’s sales tax. Under the Baker-Polito Administration, total annual UGGA has increased by $214.5 million (23%). October 15, 2020: As just announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) this week, the benefits, payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries, will be increased by a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This COLA increase will begin on December 31, 2020. Just go ahead and talk about whatever pops into your tiny parakeet brain. Argentina; ... Massachusetts Early Retirement Incentive 2021. The budget proposal includes $6 million to support more adoptions and guardianships. By Robert Weisman and Travis Andersen Globe Staff,Updated January 25, 2021. The investment provides an additional $20.4 million to fund an increase of 150 Department of Children and Families (DCF) child care vouchers per month in FY21, as well as a $19.3 million increase in Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) child care vouchers. 2337. Massachusetts currently has 23 officially designated Early College programs, involving 19 IHEs and 35 high schools, and is expected to serve approximately 4,000 students by next year. April 28, 2021: Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a Mass Retirees -backed amendment to the FY22 State Budget that would increase the hours for post-retirement public sector work by 240 hours annually. Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has increased funding for DCF by over $200 million and has introduced groundbreaking reforms to improve the protection of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children. We look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming months.”, “Our budget proposal supports every city and town in Massachusetts and helps ensure our municipal partners can continue to deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. 04/16/2021: The early retirement incentive (ERI) proposal from the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA), filed in February by co-sponsors State Senator John C. Velis and State Representative Carol A. Doherty, has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Service. Remittance for the final week and reconciliation of the monthly filing will continue to occur in the following month. “This balanced budget will result in the rainy day fund reaching a historic balance of over $4 billion and includes a new tax credit to support individuals with disabilities seeking employment. Would you like to provide additional feedback to help improve Mass.gov? Although early retirement incentive (ERI) programs have been around since the 1970s, their popularity has spiked in the past five years, as it has during previous recessions. As DCF seeks to keep caseloads down, the proposal will also include a $9 million payroll increase for social workers and supervisors. House 2 continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s unprecedented investment in state-subsidized early childhood education with a $55.1 million (8%) increase in funding above FY20 spending for the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), for a total investment of $761.9 million. Posted on March 5, 2015. There's a renewed sense of optimism in Washington, at least when it comes to passing retirement reform legislation. Rush to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. All districts get at least $30/student more than in FY20. Governor Baker's Constituent Services Main Office (617) 725-4005. It recommends $8.6 million for RMV-related initiatives for safety, operations and new employees and reforms at the Merit Rating Board (MRB). Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Governor’s Press Office (617) 725-4025. December 4, 2020: House and Senate leaders completed work on the $46 billion-dollar FY21 budget with both branches voting on a conference committee report in a rare Friday session. Investing in Students: Ch. Our plan fully funds the first year of the Student Opportunity Act and will make critical investments in the MBTA, our transportation system and workforce development to keep the Commonwealth on track to support our booming economy. MARCH 4, 2021: Group Insurance Commission Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Plan Rates: The Group Insurance Commission held their monthly meeting to set the premium rates for FY22 ahead of the open enrollment process. State 2002 Early Retirement Incentive Program (PDF 148.08 KB) Open PDF file, 534.44 KB, for. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. House 2 includes a $310 million increase to the Stabilization Fund, which as of January 2020, has an all-time high balance of $3.46 billion. House 2 recommends a total of $44.6 billion in gross spending, excluding the Medical Assistance Trust Fund transfer, approximately 2.3% growth over FY20. It also includes $6 million to support statewide sexual assault nurse examiner programs and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner programs, and $1 million will fund a grant program focusing on promoting healthy relationships and preventing dating violence among youth. THE BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION’S FY21 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS BY NUMBERS, Economic Development and Workforce Development. These institutes will operate three shifts per day including the regular school day for current vocational school students, after school for traditional high school students and during the evening for adult students. The City's primary focus is responding to the immediate needs of residents and businesses affected by the coronavirus. The goal of the FUTURE initiative, which was presented to MassPRIM's investment committee meeting Tuesday , is to bring the pension plan's exposure to emerging and diverse managers to at least 20%. Over the past five years, the FMCB has monitored the T’s finances, management and operations – while increasing transparency at the MBTA. Ranked Choice Voting = Confusingly Bad Idea. Michigan. Annual report s are required. The initial phase will consist of the Commonwealth’s largest businesses remitting on a faster timeline. We look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming months.”, “Our budget proposal supports every city and town in Massachusetts and helps ensure our municipal partners can continue to deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of residents,”, “With tax revenue growth continuing to exceed spending growth, this budget maintains structural balance and helps strengthen the Stabilization Fund,”, The proposal includes $8.4 million in funding to transform fifteen vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes and train 20,000 workers over four years in skilled trades and technical fields to address the persistent skills gap. The budget recommends $169.1 million for Department of Public Health (DPH) services related to substance misuse, including $158 million for substance use disorder treatment services, and $74.8 million to expand MassHealth treatment services for individuals with addiction, including services for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, made available through a federal 1115 waiver. accepts this early retirement incentive, and from filing vacancies thus created without approval from the Department of Management. Gov. Bill Text: H55: Financing a program for improvements to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and relief to employers in the Commonwealth Rumors; Weather ⇩ Autralia. Current legislation on pensions and retirement topis is available in a searchable database. Economic Roundtable Provides Fiscal Update, A Month From Election, Galvin Talks Up Early Voting Options, Tele-Town Hall: House Majority Leader Claire Cronin. These operating funds complement capital investments related to climate change, including funds in legislation signed by Governor Baker in 2018 to authorize over $2.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and improving recreational opportunities. The Baker-Polito Administration today filed its Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget recommendation, a $44.6 billion balanced and fiscally-responsible proposal which fully funds the first year of the historic Student Opportunity Act, increases funding for the MBTA and the Commonwealth’s transportation system and helps train 20,000 more workers in skilled trades and technical fields by transforming vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes. In phase 2, which will begin in 2023, all retailers and credit card processors will capture sales tax from electronic transactions at the moment of purchase and remit daily. “Thanks to a strong economy and bipartisan fiscal discipline, we are continuing to improve the Commonwealth’s long-term fiscal outlook while investing in critical areas including education, transportation, workforce development, housing, the environment, local municipalities, and healthcare.”. The most popular plan, the UniCare OME plan, has an increase, 2.2%, which equates to a total $8.94 increase for FY22. To access the Governor’s filing letter, budget message, and specific account information click here. Supporters of a constitutional amendment to impose a surtax on millionaire households in Massachusetts (S 5) have been waiting to … You should receive your copy of The Voice this week. In 2010 alone, several large states, including New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, enacted ERI legislation. Since the House and Senate passed differing versions of the $46 billion spending plan, a compromise final version has to be negotiated in conference committee before receiving final approval and sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his approval. Additionally, the budget includes $4.8 million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, as well as $3 million for district local technical assistance. Bill Text: S1669: For legislation relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers. This ends the 6-month delay of a final FY21 budget and funds the Commonwealth’s operations through June 30, 2021. including increased funding for snow and ice operations. Retailers already currently file and remit collections electronically and these changes will further enhance and modernize collections. Non-Generally funded agencies should prepare for … 58525. muffdiverdan. 2021-05-10 To Joint Public Service Committee: MA: H3759: Intro: By Mr. Hunt of Boston, a petition of Daniel J. House 2 proposes a $27.1 million increase above the FY20 budget for DCF, to a total of $1.085 billion, maintaining the Administration’s commitment to DCF front line social workers and to the children and families DCF supports. Friday, February 19, 2021: Today marks the completion of the bill filing process for the 2021-22 Legislative Session here in Massachusetts. One Million More Eligible for Vaccine on Thursday, Vaccine Call Center Goes Live for 75 and Older, Baker says adults 75 and over are eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19 starting Feb. 1; people 65 and over will be moved up, House & Senate Negotiate FY21 Budget Differences, 2021 Medicare Part B Premiums Remain Steady, Experts Expect Stronger Focus on Medicare Price Negotiation Over Drug Importation if Biden Wins, 3rd Interim Budget Funds State Through November, SOCIAL SECURITY ANNOUNCES 1.3% COLA INCREASE FOR 2021, Passing Social Security WEP Reform in 2020, Mass. FEB. 5, 2021.....More than a week after Gov. Overall, the average increase for the six Medicare plans is 2.3%. As a result of that effort, and in partnership with the Legislature, Governor Baker signed the Student Opportunity Act into law in November 2019. Online. NOVEMBER 23, 2020: House and Senate leaders have begun negotiations over the FY21 budgets passed by each branch of the Legislature over the past two weeks. Visit the Governor’s Press Office to learn about recent news from the administration, follow our happenings on social media, and for media contact information. This phase will only impact the largest 10% of businesses, which account for 90% of sales tax revenue. The harm brought to nearly 2 million public retirees by the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is a serious problem that must be resolved. DBM will provide funding in the DBM budget in the Allowance for each year. STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, OCT. 5, 2020.....With less than a month until the election, Secretary of State William Galvin on Monday urged voters to make a plan and not wait if they anticipate casting their ballot by mail to ensure that their vote gets counted. It proposes increased funding for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) to expand access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. This credit would be up to $2,000 per employee who works a minimum of 18 consecutive months, and will further our commitment to improving employment opportunities and economic security for individuals with disabilities. While it’s most often my face that our members see in these weekly updates, it’s important to remember that we have a team of people here at Mass Retirees working on your behalf. Pension and retirement topics include: Contribution Rates and Funding Issues; Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) 89, as amended and passed to be engrossed by the House. November 6, 2020: Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2021 monthly Medicare Parts A and B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts in which the Medicare Part B monthly premium remains steady.