Teachers to march Tuesday, asking lawmakers to take action on fair retirement options
For more information, contact:
LINDY SOWMICK
612-757-1624 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota. May 15, 2023 – Educators from across Minnesota will march to the Capitol on Tuesday to tell lawmakers not to adjourn the legislative session without any action on fair teacher pensions.
About 95 percent of current Minnesota teachers must work until age 66 to receive a full pension from the state, the third oldest age for teachers among states in the nation. They are calling for younger retirement age, similar to the plan enjoyed by teachers hired before July 1, 1989, when the “rule of 90” still applied.
Many solutions to bolster teacher pensions have been heard at the Legislature this session and could be included in final negotiations, including lowering the normal retirement age.
Education Minnesota believes fair pensions are an essential tool to recruit and retain qualified teachers at a time when the state is dealing with an exacerbated teacher shortage.
Logistics
WHEN: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16
WHERE: Starting at the Education Minnesota parking lot (41 Sherburne Ave, St. Paul) educators will march the Capitol complex grounds, and inside the Capitol past the House and Senate chambers.
WHO: Hundreds of concerned educators from across the state.
To arrange individual interviews before, during, or after the march, please contact Lindy Sowmick of Education Minnesota at 612-757-1624 or lindy.sowmick@edmn.org.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
