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May 2019 MEA-Retired Tribune Newsletter

GERRYMANDERING RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL

LANSING, MI (AP) - A panel of federal judges say 34 of Michigan's congressional, legislative districts are unconstitutionally gerrymandered. The first and 34th amendments are violated. Michigan's U.S. and state legislative districts were enacted in 2011 by a Republican governor and Republican-led Legislature. They have ordered a redrawing of the legislative map for 2020. The ruling stems from a trial held in February of this year on a lawsuit by Democratic voters alleging that Michigan's U.S. House and state legislative districts are unconstitutionally gerrymandered which dilutes the voting power of Democrats. Michigan's U.S. and state legislative districts were enacted in 2011 by a Republican governor and Republican-led legislature. If all of this happens, thousands of us could be voting in different districts. CLICK HERE for more info.

Coming this month: 2019 Verification of Coverage survey

     The 2019 Verification of Coverage survey will be mailed to all retirees in May (applies to Blue Cross/Blue Shield members only). You must complete this form for yourself and anyone else covered by your retirement system health plan. You must respond to the survey, even if you don't have other coverage. If you don't respond to the survey, your retirement system medical plan and prescription drug coverage will be canceled.
     The Verification of Coverage survey asks you to identify any other health coverage you or your dependents might have in addition to your retirement system coverage. The information is used to determine your eligibility in the retirement system's health plan.
     Questions about the Verification of Coverage survey? CLICK HERE to check out the Verification of Coverage survey webcast at the BCBS website.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE

National Statistics show that Michigan's jail population has nearly tripled in the last 35 years. Half of the people in jails are awaiting trial and presumed innocent. That's why Governor Gretchen Whitmer just announced an effort to level the playing field in our criminal justice system by launching The Criminal Justice Task Force. The Criminal Justice Task Force created by Governor Whitmer will explore ways to expand the availability of alternatives to jail in the form of rehabilitation programs for nonviolent, first-time offenders, saving resources, reduce overcrowding in prisons, and most importantly, give people a second chance. The cost of holding a defendant prior to trial amounts to roughly $75 per day -- a staggering amount given that this applies to half of the people currently in Michigan local jails. By reducing both overall admissions into local jails as well as the lengths of jail stays, the state could use those substantial savings to increase the services available to victims of crime as well as expand rehabilitation opportunities across the state.

SENATE BILL 122

EAST LANSING - The Michigan Education Association issued the following statement applauding the state House for passing Senate Bill 122, which would delay a drastic increase in the weight student test scores have on teachers' evaluations, making the current broken system for teacher evaluation even worse:
"Thanks to broad bipartisan support in the state House and Senate, SB 122 will provide Michigan with a window of time to fix our broken teacher evaluation system - changing it from a punitive process to one that works for students and educators," said MEA President Paula Herbart. "Based on feedback about evaluations from front-line educators, this delay only keeps a big problem from getting worse. We look forward to working with the governor and legislators from both parties to fix this system so it helps deliver the highest quality education for every student."
SB 122 would enact a one-year delay on a scheduled increase in the weight test scores have in the teacher evaluation process. Without legislative intervention, the percentage of a teacher's evaluations based on test scores would jump from 25 percent to 40 percent this year. A recent survey of nearly 17,000 educators by Launch Michigan found only a third of teachers believe the current evaluations improve teaching and learning. The April MEA Voice magazine includes in-depth stories from front line educators about the failures of the current evaluation system - read more at https://mea.org/evaluation/.

SARAH SAYS...

by Sarah Borgman, NEA-Retired President

"Ah, April showers bring May flowers," and to many of us that means, "Lo, the winter is past and spring has come upon the land!" It also means for our colleagues that graduations, wrapping up another school year, and all it entails are fast approaching. For many retired affiliates, it's election time---both in politics and in the Association. If this is true in your local or state retired affiliate, please get involved! Don't sit back and think somebody else can do it or worse yet, be told, "It's not your turn." Step forward and do it.YOUR leadership and skills are needed all year long. When I was a young girl in the youth Girls' Guild at church, our sponsor often reminded us that when we are asked to do something, not only should we agree to do the task but to also respond, "I'd be glad to." Your choice, your vote, your association. No holding back; no regrets---only action!

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April 2019 MEA-Retired Tribune Newsletter

Administration cuts the size of fines for health violations in nursing homes (Alliance for Retired Americans)

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently changed how it punishes nursing homes that have endangered or injured residents. The average fine for such violations dropped by over $10,000, not including discounts for immediate payment, since 2016. HHS also implemented an eighteen-month grace period from fines for violating any of the eight recently implemented health and safety rules. Experts say the changes followed lobbying from the nursing home industry.
People turn to nursing homes for critical long term care," said Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta. "The federal government should hold nursing home operators accountable for putting patients at risk, not protect the industry's profits." Earlier this month, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced settlements with seven nursing homes facing allegations of systemic failures leading to five residents' deaths and several injuries. The settlement included fines ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 and required the owners to improve their training and policies. One company was banned from operating any taxpayer-funded nursing homes in the state.

Coming soon: 2019 Verification of Coverage survey (BCBS members only)

     The 2019 Verification of Coverage survey will be mailed to all retirees in May (BCBS members only). You must complete this form for yourself and anyone else covered by your retirement system health plan. You must respond to the survey, even if you don't have other coverage. If you don't respond to the survey, your retirement system medical plan and prescription drug coverage will be canceled.
     The Verification of Coverage survey asks you to identify any other health coverage you or your dependents might have in addition to your retirement system coverage. The information is used to determine your eligibility in the retirement system's health plan.
     Questions about the Verification of Coverage survey? Check out the Verification of Coverage survey webcast at www.bcbsm.com/mpsers. To view the webcast, click on the For Members tab, then click Webinars.

SARAH SAYS...

by Sarah Borgman, NEA-Retired President

It's nearly April and not January 1 when we usually make resolutions, but maybe we need to make some new ones or at the very least, look back long enough to examine what we set out to do on our goals last fall. Let's assess, evaluate, reshuffle priorities, and take a long hard look at our accomplishments or lack thereof. What did we set out to do? What goal was foremost in our plans? What do we need to do to finish the job with quality results? Do we need more help, supplies, determination? Maybe we need to go back to step three or four and "regroup." Remember how excited you were when you first started on your goal? What happened along the way? Are you nearly there? One Summit speaker put it this way: "Make a map showing where you are to direct where you want to go". Let's finish the job!

I sometimes still think of our Association calendar as the school year. That being the case, what can you accomplish yet in the remaining two to three months? The old adage "It's never too late" applies to us too. How many more members are waiting for you to ask them to join now and save? How many more mentoring sessions can you complete? Is there a workshop you've always wanted to have in your state or local? Let's take advantage of every opportunity to complete the good work we can do.

April is National Social Security Month, a time dedicated to educating the American public about our programs and services. During this month, Social Security and its partners promote educational materials for the public to emphasize the importance of financial planning. The focus of this year's National Social Security Month is to highlight the time-saving features of the Social Security account. Our focused transactions are to:

*Request a replacement Social Security card

*Set up or change direct deposit

*Get a proof of income letter

*Change your address

*Check the status of your Social Security application

*Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099)

Celebrate National Social Security Month and see what you can do online at SocialSecurity.gov.

Honesty is a very expensive gift. Don't expect it from cheap people.

Warren Buffett

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Dear David

As one of more than 36,000 Lifetime Members of MEA/NEA-Retired, you have the opportunity to have your voice heard in February by exercising your right and responsibility to vote for delegates to represent you for three years at the MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. I urge you to be part of the democratic process and vote for those you feel will best serve you, a member of this dynamic, important organization.

Dan Rudd, MEA-Retired Election Chair, papadan43@comcast.net

MEA-RETIRED ON-LINE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

FEBRUARY 4-15, 2019

Beginning TODAY, February 4, 2019, MEA-Retired lifetime members may cast their ballots

MEA-Retired delegates to the MEA Representative Assembly, the NEA Representative Assembly, and the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting, as well as Region Directors (Odd numbered regions). Candidate bio info is linked to each candidate on the online site.

On-line voting will begin at 8 a.m. EST on February 4, 2019 and will continue until 4 p.m. February 15, 2019.

You can use any computer with internet access - your own computer, your neighbor's, your grandchildren's or one at your local library.

1. On the dates above, to to the MEA website at www.mymea.org/onlinevoting

2. Follow the Login instructions:

First Name (often your legal first name)

Last Name

Last four digits

of your social security number

3. Click the "Login" button.

4. If your record is found and the polls are open, your ballot will be displayed.

5. Select the people for whom you wish to vote. Clicking the

"Additional Info" link next to a ballot item will allow you to read biographical information on the candidate if it has been submitted.

6. Once you have made your selections, click the "Confirm Ballot" button.

7. A preview of your ballot selections will be shown. To modify any of your selections, click the "Modify Ballot" button.

8. To cast your ballot, click the "Cast Ballot" button. Once your ballot is cast, you will see a confirmation page.

9. Click the "Sign Out" link to log out of the system.

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Dear David

Dan Rudd, MEA-Retired Election Chair, papadan43@comcast.net

AN ONLINE GLITCH THIS MORNING HAS BEEN FIXED - SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE

MEA-RETIRED ON-LINE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

FEBRUARY 4-15, 2019

Beginning TODAY, February 4, 2019, MEA-Retired lifetime members may cast their ballots

On-line voting will begin at 8 a.m. EST on February 4, 2019 and will continue until 4 p.m. February 15, 2019.

You can use any computer with internet access - your own computer, your neighbor's, your grandchildren's or one at your local library.

1. On the dates above, to to the MEA website at www.mymea.org/onlinevoting

2. Follow the Login instructions:

First Name (often your legal first name)

Last Name

Last four digits

of your social security number

3. Click the "Login" button.

4. If your record is found and the polls are open, your ballot will be displayed.

5. Select the people for whom you wish to vote. Clicking the

"Additional Info" link next to a ballot item will allow you to read biographical information on the candidate if it has been submitted.

6. Once you have made your selections, click the "Confirm Ballot" button.

7. A preview of your ballot selections will be shown. To modify any of your selections, click the "Modify Ballot" button.

8. To cast your ballot, click the "Cast Ballot" button. Once your ballot is cast, you will see a confirmation page.

9. Click the "Sign Out" link to log out of the system.

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Dear David

If you are one of more then 36,000 Lifetime Members of MEA/NEA-Retired, you have the opportunity to have your voice heard in February by exercising your right and responsibility to vote for delegates to represent you for three years at the MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. I urge you to be part of the democratic process and vote for those you feel will best serve you, a member of this dynamic, important organization.

Dan Rudd, MEA-Retired Election Chair, papadan43@comcast.net

MEA-RETIRED ON-LINE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

FEBRUARY 4-15, 2019

Beginning February 4, 2019, MEA-Retired lifetime members may cast their ballots

On-line voting will begin at 8 a.m. EST on February 4, 2019 and will continue until 4 p.m. February 15, 2019.

You can use any computer with internet access - your own computer, your neighbor's, your grandchildren's or one at your local library.

1. On the dates above, to to the MEA website at www.mymea.org/onlinevoting

2. Follow the Login instructions:

First Name (often your legal first name)

Last Name

Last four digits

of your social security number

3. Click the "Login" button.

4. If your record is found and the polls are open, your ballot will be displayed.

5. Select the people for whom you wish to vote. Clicking the

"Additional Info" link next to a ballot item will allow you to read biographical information on the candidate if it has been submitted.

6. Once you have made your selections, click the "Confirm Ballot" button.

7. A preview of your ballot selections will be shown. To modify any of your selections, click the "Modify Ballot" button.

8. To cast your ballot, click the "Cast Ballot" button. Once your ballot is cast, you will see a confirmation page.

9. Click the "Sign Out" link to log out of the system.

FEBRUARY 2019 TRIBUNE NEWSLETTER

NEW LEADERSHIP CAN CLEAR PATH FOR EDUCATION

By PAULA HERBART/President - Michigan Education Association

As a legislator, Gretchen Whitmer understood both the challenges facing public schools and the solutions needed to fix them. Now, as governor, she now has the power to pursue those solutions. Refreshingly, Whitmer understands that improving our schools and raising student achievement requires input from experts - classroom educators across the state. Instead of blaming teachers for all of the perceived problems in our public education system, she has vowed to listen to us and work as a team - not as adversaries. Everyone has a stake in our schools' success - and everyone involved needs to be held accountable for helping Michigan's students.

SARAH SAYS...

By Sarah Borgman/President - NEA-Retired

Ah, February, the month dubbed for love. I trust you're feeling some of it, but let me tell you about a love that has not left me for over a lifetime... education, in my case teaching...for some of you another category. Yes, I lined up my dolls and had school at a very young age. I remember actually making spelling tests, some with errors, so I could grade papers! Little did I know how THAT would play out. There's something about knowing you might be making a difference as you teach for the future. There's something about planning and seeing those plans come to life; something about creating and knowing it's good to see new things develop; and there's something about just making a difference. THAT'S what supporting education (and in particular our early career educators) is still all about even though we're no longer in the buildings...knowing that as a Retired NEA member I can still offer support, a strong voice, and assistance for my colleagues. You see my grandson is one of the brightest and best teaching in a middle school. I want him and his colleagues to have all the help they might need. I love public education...my love affair for a lifetime. Are you still in love with public education, too?

MEA-RETIRED DUES INCREASE SEPTEMBER 2019

Many retirees have paid a portion of their MEA-Retired dues while employed by a public school. iN September 2019, dues will be increased by $50 making dues $500. MEA-Retired members enjoy benefits from MESSA and MEA Financial Services, as well as benefits from NEA. If you know retirees who are not members, please share this information with them. To learn how much money retirees may have already paid into MEA-Retired dues, call Lisa Andros at 517-333-6264.

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The Winter 2019 issue of VANGUARD is now available online. Login to yourMARSP account to view. If you are not currently a member of MARSP or your membership is expired, and you would like to join or renew to access the full issue of VANGUARD, please click here.

Sincerely,
S Mark Guastella
MARSP Executive Director

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Dear David

As one of more then 36,000 Lifetime Members of MEA/NEA-Retired, you have the opportunity to have your voice heard in February by exercising your right and responsibility to vote for delegates to represent you for three years at the MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. Candidate information will be available soon.

I urge you to be part of the democratic process and vote for those you feel will best serve you, a member of this dynamic, important organization.

Dan Rudd, MEA-Retired Election Chair, papadan43@comcast.net

MEA-RETIRED ON-LINE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

FEBRUARY 4-15, 2019

Beginning February 4, 2019, MEA-Retired lifetime members may cast their ballots MEA-Retired delegates to the MEA Representative Assembly, the NEA Representative Assembly, and the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting, as well as Region Directors (Odd numbered regions).

On-line voting will begin at 8 a.m. EST on February 4, 2019 and will continue until 4 p.m. February 15, 2019.

You can use any computer with internet access - your own computer, your neighbor's, your grandchildren's or one at your local library.

1. On the dates above, to to the MEA website at www.mymea.org/onlinevoting

2. Follow the Login instructions:

First Name (often your legal first name)

Last Name

Last four digits

of your social security number

3. Click the "Login" button.

4. If your record is found and the polls are open, your ballot will be displayed.

5. Select the people for whom you wish to vote. Clicking the

"Additional Info" link next to a ballot item will allow you to read biographical information on the candidate if it has been submitted.

6. Once you have made your selections, click the "Confirm Ballot" button.

7. A preview of your ballot selections will be shown. To modify any of your selections, click the "Modify Ballot" button.

8. To cast your ballot, click the "Cast Ballot" button. Once your ballot is cast, you will see a confirmation page.

9. Click the "Sign Out" link to log out of the system.

If you are interested in receiving a paper ballot you will need to fill out the form below and return it to Dan Rudd c/o MEA-Retired, 1216 Kendale Blvd, PO Box 2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573.

The request MUST be postmarked no later than January 8, 2019. Please use the address you will be at after December 31, 2018.

NAME __________________________________________________________________

STREET _________________________________________________________________

CITY _______________________________ STATE ____ ZIP ____________________

Thank you voting in the MEA-Retired election! We will send this information again closer to election time.

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January 2019 MEA-Retired Tribune Newsletter

LAME DUCK BILLS GOV SNYDER SIGNED & VETOED

The 2018 Lame Duck session in the Michigan legislature was brutal, but thanks to the work of our lobbyists and the contacts members had with their legislators, it was not as bad as it could have been for public education, educators, and retirees. We appreciate all the efforts on your part to make those calls and send the emails. Below are just a few of the bills signed by Gov Snyder. For a full list of the bills signed and vetoed, CLICK HERE visit out website, then click on the January 2019 Tribune to download a copy:

GRADING SCHOOLS: Snyder signed a law to require A-through-F letter grades for public schools, starting in September 2019.

SCHOOL SAFETY: Snyder signed laws to create a state Office of School Safety and require that schools develop emergency operations plans and conduct safety assessments with local law enforcement. School districts and charter schools will have to consult with police before building a new school or doing a major renovation. The bills were developed in the wake of mass shootings in Florida and Texas.

MINIMUM WAGE: Snyder signed a law to slow down a boost in Michigan's $9.25 an hour minimum wage, so it will gradually rise to $12.05 by 2030 instead of $12 by 2022 as required by a proposed ballot initiative that GOP lawmakers pre-emptively adopted in September to make it easier to amend after the election. The new law reverses a provision that would have brought a lower wage for tipped employees in line with the wage for other workers. It also repeals a provision - in a 2014 law - that ties future increases to inflation

NEW MEA MEMBER DISCOUNT THROUGH STAPLES

The average educator spends more than $500 per year out of pocket for supplies for their students and classroom or worksite. Taking advantage of MEA's bargaining power and collective strength, our new members-only partnership with Staples could save you an average of 30% on supply purchases. At that $500 average, that could mean an extra $150 back in your pocket - or millions of dollars saved when you multiply that across all of MEA's members. This new benefit of membership can save you money on purchases you need at work or at home and is available to lifetime retiree members also. CLICK HERE to login to MEA's Members Only area and find out more about it; or watch for information in the upcoming MEA Voice magazine. If you'd like, you can sign up for the Staples Business Advantage program here.
(NOTE: Once you sign up for the program, if you want to get the discount in-person at your local Staples, you need to register the credit card you'll want to use there.)

MEA-RETIRED DUES INCREASE SEPTEMBER 2019

Many retirees have paid a portion of their MEA-Retired dues while employed by a public school. In September 2019 dues will be increased by $50 making lifetime dues $500. MEA-Retired members enjoy benefits from MESSA and MEA Financial Services, as well as benefits from NEA. If you know retirees who are not members, please share this information with them. To learn how much money retirees may have already paid into MEA-Retired dues, call Lisa Andros at 517-333-6264. CLICK HERE to download information about why lifetime membership in MEA-Retired is important. Thank you.

MEA-RETIRED ONLINE VOTING IS FEBRUARY 4-15, 2019

If you are one of more than 36,000 Lifetime Members of MEA-NEA-Retired, you have the right and responsibility to vote for delegates to represent you for 3 years at the MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. Candidate information will be available soon. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING WAS SENT TODAY TO LIFETIME MEMBERS IN A SEPARATE EMAIL. Reminder emails will be sent closer to the voting period but you may want to mark Feb 4 in your calendar. Thank you for voting.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR MEMBERS!

We wish for you...

12 months of happiness,

52 weeks of fun,

365 days of success,

8,760 hours of good health,

52,600 minutes of good luck,

AND 3,153,600 seconds of joy!

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Hello again, MEA Retirees! We know there has not been much prior notification of these events at the Capitol in Lansing, but Lame Duck happens fast and many groups work together to make things happen. This rally is happening TOMORROW, WED, DEC 12, earlier in the day than the Vigil we previously emailed you about (information is also at the end of this email). Here is the info about the rally from noon-4 pm tomorrow:

Fight for Our Families Rally at the Capitol

WHEN: Wednesday, December 12th from 12-4 p.m.

WHERE: Capitol Building in Lansing - included will be "caroling" of legislators - if anyone is interested in participating in that, let us know!

BUSES TO LANSING: There are buses available that leave at 10 am and return to each city at 4:pm. If you CLICK ON THIS LINK you can register and sign up for one of the buses.

Buses leave from:

Ann Arbor (Miller Rd Park & Ride, 2901 Miller Rd);

Detroit option #1 (Meijer, 1301 Eight Mile Rd)

Detroit option #2 (Good Jobs Now, 2400 E McNichols Rd)

Flint (St. Michael's Catholic Church, 609 E Fifth Ave.)

Grand Rapids (carpool lot, 3250 Deposit Dr NE)

Kalamazoo (302 Academy St, behind church in alley)

If you have any questions about this rally or the Vigil at the Capitol at 5:30 tomorrow, please email Jessica Lumbreras at MEA - jlumbreras@mea.org - or reply to this email and we will try to help you. Again, apologies for the short notice. All this is being put together very fast. Thank you for your support! Information about the 5:30 Vigil at the Capitol at end of this email. Stay informed about Lame Duck by going to www.mea.org/lameduck/.

Below is a list of some of the worst of the legislation they are trying to push through.

5:30 Vigil at the Capitol RedforEd - Wed, Dec. 12

CLICK HERE for a link to RSVP and/or get directions and more information about the vigil on Wednesday.

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TAKE ACTION TODAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

Stop the latest attack on working families and unions: SB 1260

The Senate blitzed a bill through committee that would require public employee union members to vote every two years to re-certify as a union. SB 1260 would mandate that unions pay for these elections in the fall of even numbered years - even though there's already a process in place for members of a bargaining unit to initiate an election to leave a union if they wish to do so. CLICK HERE to read the bill.

This legislation serves only one purpose: undermining the ability of the union to defend our freedoms and the contract. It would force unions to spend time and money on constant elections rather than on protecting workers and their rights.

We need your help to fight back. PLEASE CLICK HERE to send a letter right now to your State Senator and tell them to vote NO on SB 1260.

If you'd rather call your State Senator, CLICK HERE to look up the number using your address.

Things happen fast during Lame Duck in Lansing!

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION TODAY!

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MEA Retirees, can you get to Lansing on Tuesday morning Dec.11, to take part in a morning of lobbying and speaking out for voters and workers organized by our friends at AFL-CIO? Here is information from them about the event:

WELCOME TO LAME DUCK, a time when elected officials who are on their way out the door do the bidding of their corporate donors. Without any accountability these legislators are working to take away hard-fought benefits to working families.

IT'S TIME TO PUT AN END TO THAT.

We're a state where we should have each others' backs, where nobody gets left behind, and nobody gets left out. It's time to stand up to lame duck lawmakers and the greedy lobbyists who back them and work and work to build a Michigan that represents the people, not corporate interests. THE PEOPLE SPOKE IN NOVEMBER. Lame Duck should not be used to ram through legislation that does not reflect the wishes of voters.

Union and non-union working families and retirees are coming together for a Worker's Lobby Day to stand against attacks on our agenda for working families.

LOCATION: Michigan AFL-CIO, 419 S. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48933

TIME: Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, 8:00 am - 11:00 am

SCHEDULE: 8:00 am - Lobbying Training; 9:00 am - Lobbying Legislators;

10:00 am - Action inside Capitol building - please bring a photo I.D. to enter

Materials and information will be provided. For questions, contact Jessica Lumbreras at jlumbreras@mea.orgor reply to this email. Find out more from AFL-CIO at www.solidaritystate.org.

STAY UP TO DATE ABOUT THE LATEST MEA INFORMATION ABOUT LAME DUCK AT www.mea.org/lameduck and on MEA's Facebook page.

Things happen fast during Lame Duck in Lansing!

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION!

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MEA Retirees! Are you able to get to Lansing this Wednesday, Dec 12? Things happen fast during Lame Duck and there is, as usual, a lot of legislation aimed directly at MEA, public schools and educators, among other things.CLICK HERE for a link to RSVP and/or get directions and more information about the vigil on Wednesday.

PLEASE LOOK FOR A SEPARATE EMAIL ABOUT A WORKER LOBBY DAY ON TUESDAY, DEC 11. It's during the school day so if retirees could participate, that would be great. Please contact Jessica Lumbreras at MEA if you have questions about the vigil or the lobby day activities:jlumbreras@mea.org.

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Fall 2018

[a publication for current and retired Michigan public school personnel]

Membership referrals before Dec. 31 may earn “Grand” prize

Spectacular lake views from the expansive front porch of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island await the winner of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) grand prize membership drawing in January.

The drawing for a two night stay at Grand Hotel is open to any MARSP member who refers a new member, including a spouse or former co-worker, before Dec. 31.

“Our members are the greatest recruiters for MARSP because they know what’s at stake with pensions and health care benefits for public school retirees,” says Mark Guastella, MARSP executive director. “If our members can recruit others, we can continue to grow our influence at the Capitol.”

Last year’s winner, former teacher Andrea Rander of Conklin, referred her husband for membership.

“It was a big surprise,” Rander said after she learned she won. “I was totally floored. When I signed him up, I did not even dream of winning.”

MARSP membership includes health care benefit information, access to MARSP publications, like VANGUARD and VISION, and travel discounts and access to life insurance through Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA).

For more information, visit the MARSP website at www.marsp.org or call 517-337-1757 or888-960-4022.

MARSP Member Profile:
Rosa Williams

Retirement lured Rosa Williams back near her birthplace in the Carolinas, after 30 years as an educator, through a career that brought her to be one of four national finalists for Principal of the Year.

In 2008 she moved to a house in Indian Land, South Carolina, where she enjoys the amenities of a 55-and-older community that’s 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I’m just relaxing,” said Williams, who was one of seven sisters who grew up in nearby Shelby, North Carolina, working in cotton fields until she was in third grade. “Momma made sure we went to school, we had good attendance.”

Williams, 74, visits with her nieces and nephews, and spends time at dance programs and attending local plays.

She came to Detroit in the late 1960s after a few years teaching in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She was encouraged by teachers as a child to pursue education, and she earned her teaching degree at Winston-Salem State University in 1965. She later completed her doctorate in education at Wayne State University.

Williams rose from elementary and middle school teacher to principal at Amelia Earhart Middle School in southwest Detroit. In 1994 she was named Michigan’s Outstanding Principal of the Year and given a $25,000 Milken National Educator award, which recognizes excellence in the teaching profession through the Milken Family Foundation.

Williams was among four finalists for National Principal of the Year in 1995.

Besides teaching, acting and directing plays during her early years in Detroit, Williams became an expert on youth gangs and even gave a presentation at a National Gang Conference.

She was among educators from around the U.S. who helped draft the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards in 1987.

Williams is proud that many of the teachers she supervised as a principal themselves went on to become school principals.

“I hear from them all the time,” she says. “They call just to chat. That staff had a great relationship with each other.”

Williams says she is grateful for the Michigan pension she receives. She praises MARSP, adding, “Anything you want to ask, you’d always get an answer. Michigan was good to me, and I was good to Michigan, too.”

Pre-Retirement Resources

Avoid retirement planning mistakes with help from MARSP

Errors made in planning for retirement could have a negative impact years down the road. To help ensure financial security for retirement years, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) offers three types of pension seminars, depending on career stages:

Pension 101: New employees with three years or less of service
Pension 201: Mid-career employees
Pension 301: Employees nearing retirement, approximately last two years of career

Common mistakes are avoidable, for example, MARSP recommends not signing documents regarding health care coverage or pension benefits that are not from Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). Also, pay attention to mailings from MPSERS and health care providers.

Trained staff members conduct seminars around the state and can answer questions about retirement options, service credit purchases, long-term care coverage plans, choices for health insurance and potential income needs during retirement. More information on free seminars is available atwww.marsp.org/retirement-planning/.

MARSP members help teachers with classroom projects

Dearborn middle school teacher Emily Matash wanted to create flexible floor seating to help her students be more comfortable in class.

She posted a project request through the online charity DonorsChoose.org for funding, and last May, the funding was completed with help from Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) and the MARSP Foundation.

The two organizations donated $10,000 to flash fund 65 different projects in 54 schools – including a contribution to Matash’s project at McCollough-Unis School – in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

“We believe in supporting educators,” says MARSP Executive Director Mark Guastella. “Many of our members are retired teachers, and they know the reality of digging into their own pockets to fund extra supplies for their classrooms. DonorsChoose.org allows our members to help support teachers in a tangible way.”

MARSP encourages teachers to dream big.

“With DonorsChoose.org, teachers can create projects and seek funding help through the community, including MARSP,” says Guastella.

“Teachers are so grateful for people like you who appreciate and believe in us,” Matash wrote to MARSP, “Thanks again for helping me change the lives of my students.”

DonorsChoose.org has received a four-star rating (highest available) from Charity Navigator and the 2017 Platinum Seal for Transparency from GuideStar.

Join MARSP before retiring

For more than 60 years, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) has supported public school personnel as their legislative voice. Current employees are encouraged to join MARSP before retiring.

MARSP works to protect the pensions guaranteed to public school employees, working and retired.
Threats to health care funding come every year. More members mean greater influence at the Capitol, bolstering MARSP’s efforts to protect health care benefits.
Free MARSP pension seminars help public school employees plan ahead.
Local MARSP chapters fund teacher project requests through the online charity DonorsChoose.org.
Quarterly newsletters VISION and VANGUARD communicate MARSP’s advocacy and legislative work.

For more information, check the MARSP web site: www.marsp.org.

Health Care News & Important Updates

More members help protect health care benefits

Threats to health care benefits loom each year. Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) guards those benefits as its primary focus, a duty that benefits both public school retirees and working employees.

"Retirees who came before us have worked to ensure our members can claim the benefits they have earned,” says MARSP Legislative Co-Chair Chuck Abshagen. “We can never take our health care coverage for granted.”

MARSP tracks state budget allocations and advocates for current and future member benefits.

“Each year the state Legislature must appropriate money to fund our health benefits,” explains Abshagen. “Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) requests the amount needed, based on the cost of our health package, including hearing, dental and vision. The MPSERS request last year was approximately $1 billion.

“When the Legislature set the 2018 budget, MPSERS received about $20 million less than requested. That reduction necessitated the changes that have been made in our health coverage for 2018.”

A larger MARSP membership helps influence legislative support for retiree benefits.

“It’s far easier to champion benefit funding when thousands of public school retirees support MARSP,” says Abshagen. “More MARSP members translates to more attention and support from legislators.”

Turning 65? Medicare sign-up time

To prevent gaps in health care coverage, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) reminds those who will turn 65 soon to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to sign up for Medicare.

“It’s critical to be aware of deadlines because they affect health care coverage,” says Mark Guastella, MARSP executive director.

Medicare sends out information several months before potential enrollees turn 65 and asks that they sign up three months prior to their 65th birthday. In order to receive coverage through Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS), subscribers must have Part B.

Upon receipt of the Medicare card, contact the Office of Retirement Services at 800-381-5111 and provide the Medicare ID number, which will allow for MPSERS and Medicare to coordinate health benefits.

Once Medicare subscribers turn 65, benefits coverage will be through Medicare Plus Blue Group PPO, a Medicare Advantage plan. Prescription drug benefits will continue from MPSERS.

To verify that Medicare enrollment is complete, contact MPSERS and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for verification. To contact SSA, call 800-772-1213 or visit the SSA website:  www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/.

More information is available at www.marsp.org.

The shingles vaccine is now covered for Non-Medicare Blue Cross PPO members through the OptumRx pharmacy benefit. Eligibility may be age-related so please contact OptumRx to verify eligibility before getting the shot.

Flu shots are NOT covered at pharmacies with standalone retail health clinics for Blue Cross PPO members. Claims will be denied by Blue Cross Blue Shield and the shot is not eligible for reimbursement. Members may continue to receive the vaccine at pharmacies without the clinics.

Legislators’ learning curve must include pensions, health benefits

Many newly elected legislators may not understand the importance of maintaining adequate funding for public school retirees’ health care.

“Legislators must learn quickly on the job,” says Paul Lerg, MARSP president. “With thousands of public school employees retiring each year, the need for funding health care and pensions increases. Our voice needs to be heard and more members mean legislators will pay attention.”

MARSP played key role in preventing cuts to health care

Current public school employees have an advocate that is fighting for their future health care and pensions. Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP), with more than 40,000 retired and associate members played a key role in the 2017 effort to retain the defined benefit pension component for public school retirees and prevent cuts to health care funding.

Some legislators urged cuts that could have cost retirees more than $500 per month per person in health care premiums over the next five years.

“When employees plan their financial futures, they rely on pensions and health care coverage to support them in their retirement,” says Mark Guastella, MARSP executive director. “MARSP’s mission is to strengthen health care provisions and protect pensions.”

MARSP helps members navigate insurance issues

Concerns about health care coverage can add to the stress of illness or hospitalization, so Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) helps members navigate difficult issues.

When members encounter roadblocks to obtain certain prescriptions, services or tests, a MARSP staff person may be able to help.

“Although we are not able to access health records,” says Mandy Hitsman, MARSP’s communications and member advocacy coordinator, “staff members can help facilitate communication among parties and find answers to coverage questions.

“Providing an accurate line of communication is one way we serve our members, and it’s a reason thousands of retirees have joined MARSP,” says Hitsman. “Benefits issues are sometimes complicated, and members can use help from experienced advisors.”

Call the MARSP office at 517-337-1757 or 888-960-4022 to speak to a knowledgeable staff person.

Take Note: Important Dates

MARSP Calendar of Events

November 22 & 23 - Thanksgiving - MARSP Office Closed

December 24 - January 1 - Christmas Holiday - MARSP Office Closed

January 21 - MARSP Legislative Committee meeting

January 22 - MARSP Membershiop Committee meeting

January 23 - MARSP Executive Committee meeting

January 22 - MPSERS Board meeting

February 18 - President's Day - MARSP Office Closed

MARSP Pension Seminars
As dates are added frequently, please check the MARSP website for the current list of seminars.

MPSERS Fall Health Care Seminar Schedule

Florida

December 3 - Ocala, Florida

December 4 - Clearwater, Florida

December 5 - Sarasota, Florida

December 6 - Fort Myers, Florida

December 7 - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

All seminars begin at 10am and last approximately 2-3 hours. For specific location details, click here.

MARSP Social Media Archive

Here is an archive of many articles that MARSP has posted on its Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages since the last Vision was published:

2018 Verification of Coverage - 06-21-18
It's Never Too Early to Look Toward Another Election - 07-05-18
New Medicare Cards are Coming - 07-12-18
5 Things to Know Before You Vote - 07-17-18
Come out and support your fellow educators! - 07-19-18
Check out the new member guide for healthcare and other retirement information - 07-27-18
The 2018 Michigan primaries are next week, Aug. 7th - 08-03-18
Check out the latest blog post from MARSP Executive Director Mark Guastella - 08-15-18
Thanks to all who joined us yesterday - 08-15-18
Dickinson County Chapter of MARSP Plans Not-Back-to-School Celebration - 08-29-18
Spouses who are pension beneficiaries are eligible for MARSP membership - 09-14-18
MARSP Executive Director Mark Guastella attended chapter workshops throughout the state this summer - 09-15-18
Michiganders will begin to receive new Medicare cards soon! - 09-19-18
Priority Health announces 2018 MPSERS informational meeting schedule - 09-25-18
As teachers begin the new school year, new classroom projects need funding - 09-26-18
Retirement and pension questions are answered at MRPS Pension Seminars - 09-27-18
MPSERS offers Fall Health Care Seminars - 09-28-18
The Oakland Farmington Chapter donated 30 book bags Grandview Elementary - 09-29-18
Membership in MARSP comes with benefits through Association Member Benefits Advisors - 09-30-18
MARSP looks for volunteers - 10-01-18
Successful retirement plans don’t just happen - 10-11-18
Need to adjust retirement plans? - 10-13-18
MARSP 2018 Pre-election Legislative Updates - 10-30-18
Remember every vote counts! - 11-06-18
Michigan electors chose a new governor, representatives and senators this week - 11-08-18

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