Ways to Take Action
Questions: Email retirementplus@massteacher.org.
RetirementPlus Legislation
We are asking for a fair fix for RetirementPlus
UPDATE: July 2025
The MTA is deeply disappointed that the final version of the FY26 budget failed to include language giving teachers hired before July 1, 2001, a fair and clear pathway to join RetirementPlus. We are now focused on getting the two bills, filed in January, passed into law.
The MTA thanks the members of the House of Representatives for including this language in their budget, and we urge the state Senate to support the expedited passage of H.2932 and S.1884, both of which are before the Joint Committee on Public Service, which would create a fair fix for RetirementPlus. We are pushing for these bills to be heard and acted upon quickly.
We are asking MTA members to contact their state senator and call for the quick passage of our RetirementPlus legislation.
CALL AND EMAIL YOUR STATE SENATOR NOW: Ask your senator to pass legislation with a fix for RetirementPlus.
Find phone numbers for your legislators Find emails for legislators Email your senator
Lead Sponsors: Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) and Rep. Rob Consalvo (D-Boston | Sen. Liz Miranda (D-Boston)
These bills allow teachers hired before July 1, 2001, who did not provide a written election to participate in RetirementPlus, to have a second opportunity to do so.
H.2932 | S.1884 | Fact Sheet | Read about letter from 219 MTA & AFT Mass. Letter to Legislators
Bills have been filed by Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) and Rep. Rob Consalvo (D-Boston), and Sen. Liz Miranda (D-Boston) allowing teachers hired before July 1, 2001, who did not “elect” to join RetirementPlus to have a new opportunity to do so. These bills are nearly identical to a bill (H.5136) that passed the House in 2024. The MTA has once again made the passage of this bill one of its legislative priorities and is asking members to reach out to their legislators to request their help in getting this bill passed into law.
Background
In 2001, when RetirementPlus was first introduced, many teachers encountered a confusing enrollment process. Some never received an enrollment form while others were led to believe they were automatically enrolled in Retirement Plus, only later learning that they were not. The MTA has worked to rectify these issues administratively, however, an August 2023 ruling by the Division of Administrative Law Appeals has made it clear that legislation is needed to fix this problem.
In the ruling, DALA stated “that a 2001 teacher cannot join the § 5(4) benefits program [RetirementPlus] after missing the mid-2001 deadline, even in sympathy-provoking cases, and even if the teacher received no notice about the § 5(4) program” from their retirement system. This unfortunate but clear statement from DALA makes passing legislation the only way to rectify this unfair process.
Legislative Priorities FAQ Email your legislators
Take Action: Urge your senator to support RetirementPlus enrollment
.png?h=628&w=1200&la=en&hash=BF21CDB6820C8872989D71F58B1CB880854BA7E4)
Please contact your state Senator and call for the quick passage of our legislation, which creates a fair fix for RetirementPlus.
About RetirementPlus legislation
Learn about several bills under consideration by the Joint Committee on Public Service that would allow teachers hired before July 1, 2001, and who did not “elect” to join RetirementPlus, to have a second opportunity to do so. This webinar was presented on Nov. 14, 2023. The bills were filed in the 2023-24 legislative session.