Pontiac Times

State Rep. Donni Steele is speaking out against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal to divert funds from the teacher pension system, a move that could jeopardize educators' retirement benefits. Steele, from Orion Township, criticized the plan, stating, "Those same teachers who work tirelessly to teach kids to live within their means now have to watch as their state government leverages their retirement accounts to fund unnecessary initiatives and programs."

Steele highlighted the significant underfunding issue within the Michigan Public Schools Employees' Retirement System (MPSERS), which remains at a shortfall of over $24 billion. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the financial security of teachers, stating, "Our teachers work hard and deserve the peace-of-mind that their retirement benefits are available when they need them."

The proposed redirection of $670 million from the teacher retirement system to other policy initiatives while MPSERS remains underfunded by $24.4 billion has raised concerns. Steele urged the governor to reconsider her spending priorities, stating, "The governor needs to stop spending and start paying off debt for the posterity put forth by past Republican leadership."

Steele suggested that directing regular Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) payments into MPSERS pensions could help expedite the process of paying off the debt, which is currently projected to extend until 2038. She emphasized the need for responsible budgeting and debt repayment, indicating that once the debt is addressed, investments can be made in critical infrastructure projects for a lasting impact.