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GRPS legislative committee flagged Senate changes to MPSERS and pressure on '31a' mental-health funding
Summary
Miss Simas briefed the committee on Senate revisions to an MPSERS-related bill that would cap district liability at 15.21% and shift a 3% employee retiree-health contribution; trustees were also warned of cuts to '31a' mental-health funding and a likely post-election push for a supplemental budget.
Miss Simas told the Grand Rapids Public Schools legislative committee that recent Senate revisions to legislation tied to the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System (MPSERS) include three notable changes: elimination of a floor funding provision, a cap on the liability rate districts pay at 15.21%, and removal of a 3% employee contribution for retiree health insurance. "They're capping the liability rate that school districts pay for MPSERS at 15.21%, and they're eliminating the 3% that employees pay for retiree health insurance," she said.
She framed the measure as part of a contentious end-of-session 'budget fix' that passed through negotiations late in the House and prompted concerns from the Kent County delegation. Miss Simas said the result was that some House members wanted revisions and that large cuts to '31a' — mental-health funding — remain a worry. "There were large cuts to 31a for our mental health funding," she said, adding lawmakers have expressed concerns and that a supplemental to restore funding is unlikely before the election.
Miss Simas advised trustees the House planned a late-night caucus to prepare for action and that many expect these items could move during a post-election lame-duck period. She recommended the district remain prepared to respond and promised to send more detailed explanations of the changes. When the Chair asked for clarification about what "eliminating the floor funding provision" meant, Miss Simas said she would follow up in writing because the revisions were circulated quickly.
The committee did not take a vote; Miss Simas said the district would circulate the bill texts and a written summary to inform any decision about registering positions or seeking supplemental remedies.
