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Teacher retirement system back on the agenda in Lansing

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   A showdown is brewing in Lansing over the fate of teacher retirements. 

Teachers can currently choose between a full 401(k) type plan or a hybrid 401(k) and pension plan. Governor Rick Snyder and other advocates of the current system say the liabilities are on their way to getting paid off and the hybrid plan is better for teacher’s retirements.

   But Republicans in the House and Senate have made closing the pension system to all new hires a top priority this year.

   Republican Representative Thomas Albert says their plan will attract new teachers.

“Have a pretty big, looming teacher shortage right now. So the status quo’s not working. And like I said, the new generation wants mobility, my generation wants mobility, and this is what it gives them.”

   Albert says the almost 30 (b) billion dollars in unfunded liabilities make Michigan’s teacher pension system unsustainable.