THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025 Page 13 MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE PASSES BILL EXTENDING BENEFITS FOR RETIRED TEACHERS Bill extends retirement benefi ts for teachers who go into second careers in education state agencies B OSTON — The House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would extend benefits for retired teachers who are then hired to work for the Massachusetts Executive Offi ce of Education (EOE) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The bill would allow those employees to retain the status of “teacher” and remain in the Teachers’ Retirement System. “As a former public-school teacher, I know the incredible impact that teachers can have on our students’ lives, and the value that they can bring to administrative positions given their experience as educators. That’s why it’s so important that we ensure that former teachers who choose to serve in administrative roles at EOE and DESE remain in the Teachers’ Retirement System, ensuring that they do not experience an interruption in their membership or service,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Leader Peisch, Chairman Ryan, and Representative Consalvo for their work on this issue, as well as all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of these reforms.” “I want to take the opportunity to thank Speaker Mariano, Leader Peisch, Chair Gordon, and Representative Consalvo, for all their hard work and advocacy on this bill. The legislation presents a fairness issue. A common-sense approach to fi xing a long overdue matter for those who educate the children of the commonwealth. The bill will allow teachers who enrolled in a retirement system before July 1, 2001, the same rights as those who enrolled after that date,” said Representative Daniel J. Ryan (D-Boston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Service. “Today’s bill allows those teachers, who were not enrolled in the R+ program in 2001, for whatever reason, an opportunity to now buy into the very same program, which would have been the case had the system worked correctly.” “I was proud to join my colleagues in passing this important legislation to support the dedicated educators of our Commonwealth,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “This bill corrects a long-standing inequity and ensures that retired teachers who continue their service in roles at EOE and DESE are not penalized for doing so. These individuals bring invaluable classroom experience into policymaking and administrative work, and they deserve retirement benefi ts that refl ect their full contribution to public education in Massachusetts.” “Though a relatively small number of people are impacted by this legislation, it is perhaps the most impactful legislation the House has passed in terms of correcting a governmental failure. Many, many teachers will now be treated fairly and allowed to enjoy a well-earned retirement,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop). “I am once again pleased that the House has advanced this important legislation,” said Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch (D-Wellesley), Assistant Majority Leader and sponsor of the bill. “I introduced this bill after being approached by educators in my district—dedicated public servants who brought forward a serious and deeply personal concern. It quickly became evident that this was not an isolated incident, but an issue aff ecting educators across the Commonwealth. I am hopeful that this language MASS HOUSE | SEE Page 19 US Sen. Ed Markey Honored at Posh Fundraiser United States Senator Edward Markey (center), a Malden native, was honored at an Aug. 16 fundraiser held for him by a committee of supporters, including public relations executive George Regan (left) and Alan Leventhal (right), the former United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark and the founder of the Boston real estate investment firm Beacon Capital Properties. The fundraiser was held at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee. Other members of the host committee included auto magnate Herb Chambers, Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner, and impresario Don Law. Markey represented Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives from 1976 to 2013. In 2013 he won a special election to finish the US Senate term vacated by John Kerry, and then won full terms in 2014 and 2020, and is standing for re-election next year. The dean of New England’s Congressional delegation, he is currently the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and holds several other committee assignments. (Courtesy photo) Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
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