Downriver Today

State Representative Jamie Thompson of Brownstown expressed opposition to House Bill 5803 after casting a vote against it on June 25, 2024. The bill proposes reallocating over $600 million from the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System (MPSERS) to fund other state projects. MPSERS currently faces a shortfall exceeding $34 billion.

Rep. Thompson stated, "As every family with a budget knows, state government should be working to pay down debt obligations – not create more."

Thompson emphasized that funds should continue to support MPSERS and be directed toward reducing the pension system's debt. She argued that settling this debt could eventually free up billions of dollars annually for school districts, allowing those resources to return to classroom use.

"This money should continue to go to MPSERS and be put toward paying down the pension system," she said. "Reducing liability for districts does not eliminate the liability – it only shifts it elsewhere."

Rep. Thompson voiced concern about the security of retirement benefits for educators, stating that teachers deserve reliable retirement plans rather than uncertainty about their future benefits.

"Educators across our communities who dedicate their lives to preparing students for success deserve the security of retirement – not uncertainty regarding their benefits," she asserted.

She criticized Democrats in Lansing for allegedly using teachers' retirement promises as leverage in managing what she describes as an out-of-control budget: "Unfortunately, Democrats in Lansing are not stopping as they seek to bankroll more of their agenda and balance an out-of-control budget."

Rep. Thompson concluded by reaffirming her stance against the plan: "That’s not right, and it’s why this plan doesn’t have my support."