By Cheryl Streberger
So, the midterm elections are over, and the results were overwhelming and historic, not only in Michigan but across the country. I am sure I am not alone when I say thank goodness all those annoying TV ads and text will stop until 2028.
The behavioral health contract is up for bid with the State of Michigan, RFP’s have gone out and providers have until December 8, 2026, to respond. We will monitor this for any changes in the provider.
I was asked to be a participant in a work group with Representative Regina Weiss HD 5 to look at amending the State Employee’s Retirement Act and the Public-School Employees Retirement Act. Our focus for both is to offer some type of Hybrid Pension plan to both groups. There is one main group looking at this and 2 sub-groups that focus on the individual acts. I am in the sub-group for SERS; the goal is to have legislation written and stand by so when the new House of Representatives and Senate take office in January 2027 the legislation can be distributed and discussed. So, fingers crossed this will get over the finish line and to the new Governors desk for signature. This has been in the making and on many of our wish lists to complete. This will be good for Michigan to recruit and retain employees.
Our next Coordinating Council meetings will be held May 7,2027 and October 1, 2027, and we will meet at the Lake Trust Credit Union in DeWitt. Sadly, Delhi Café closed and we needed to find a new meeting place.
At our November 6, 2026, Executive Board meeting we elected a new Chair for the Nomination/Election committee: Bonnie Cadwell from Pontiac SERA Chapter 5.
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have wonderful and safe holidays and I will see you the New Year…..2027 😊
Cheryl Streberger is Chairperson of the State SERA Council. She can be reached at (517) 515-9815 or e-mailed at cstreberger@yahoo.com.