Rep. Meerman: Gambling with teacher retirement is flat out irresponsible
LANSING, MI – Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) is speaking out against a controversial proposal by Michigan House Republicans that would allow the state to borrow $600 million from the teacher retirement system to help balance the state budget.
In a strongly worded statement released today, Meerman called the move “flat out irresponsible” and warned that it could have serious consequences for teachers and retirees across the state.
“Using the teacher retirement system as a piggy bank to balance the state budget is a dangerous game that puts the retirement security of thousands of hardworking educators at risk,” Meerman said. “We cannot afford to gamble with the financial future of our teachers and retirees.”
Meerman, who has been a vocal advocate for education funding and teacher pay raises, said that he was dismayed by the proposal and urged his fellow Republicans to find alternative solutions to the budget shortfall.
“We need to do better by our teachers and retirees,” Meerman said. “We cannot continue to balance the budget on the backs of those who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities and educating our children.”
The proposal to borrow from the teacher retirement system comes after months of budget negotiations in the state legislature, which has faced significant revenue shortfalls due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
House Republicans have argued that the borrowing is necessary to prevent deep cuts to essential services and programs. However, opponents like Meerman have raised concerns about the long-term impacts of raiding the teacher retirement system.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that our teachers and retirees have the security and stability they deserve,” Meerman said. “I urge my colleagues to reconsider this reckless proposal and work together to find a more responsible solution to our budget challenges.”
The proposal is expected to be debated in the state House in the coming weeks, with a final vote expected before the end of the legislative session. Meerman has vowed to continue fighting against the plan and advocating for the protection of teacher retirement benefits.
“We cannot afford to take shortcuts when it comes to the financial security of our teachers and retirees,” Meerman said. “I will not stand by and watch as their hard-earned benefits are put at risk. We must do better.”