My GHEA Rocks!

Study finds forcing school employees into 401(k)-style retirement plans would cost taxpayers billions

Posted on 11/26/12 at 5:18pm

A new independent study shows that switching all state and school employees to a 401(k)-style retirement plan would cost Michigan taxpayers a staggering $18.1 billion over the next 30 years.
As many private employers have transitioned into offering 401(k) retirement plans over providing traditional pensions to their employees, the theory behind the change has been that it saves employers money. However, the new study, conducted by the Segal Group for the state of Michigan, wholly debunks that myth.
Closing the defined benefit plan would cost taxpayers $4.5 billion over the next 10 years to make up for the drop-off in employee contributions to the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS), according to the Segal Group’s study.

• Read more

Hearing to be held Thursday in school employee retirement challenge

Posted on 11/27/12 at 10:54pm

Legal challenges to a recent law increasing health care and retirement costs for school employees will be heard Thursday morning in front of Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina.

Read More

 

Review finds new student survey report not based on sound research

Posted on 11/28/12 at 9:31am

A new review has found student surveys of their teachers can be a useful tool, but a report from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that recommends their broader use doesn't provide any methodological or empirical data to back that up.

Read More

 

Take action: 'Right to Work' legislation could be introduced next week

Posted on 11/20/12 at 12:27pm

So-called "Right to Work" legislation is likely to move through the Legislature as early as next week. Right-wing legislators are hoping that MEA members will be too distracted by the holiday season to notice.

Read More

 

Student technology showcase in Lansing Nov. 28

Posted on 11/28/12 at 9:32am

Students from across Michigan will gather at the state Capitol on Nov. 28 to showcase how they're using technology in the classroom to enhance learning.

Read More