January 10, 2012
By Bruce Bell
On November 18, 2011 Governor Deval Patrick signed Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2011, “An Act Providing for Pension Reform and Benefit Modernization.” One section of this law allows retirees who retired under Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws on or before May 17, 2004 choosing Option A or B, and then married a person of the same sex on or before May 17, 2005 to change to Option C retroactive to their retirement date. Option C allows for a spouse to continue receiving a monthly retirement income after the retiree dies. This option is also available for the surviving spouse of a retiree provided the conditions above are met. Chapter 32 of the General Laws covers most Massachusetts state, county and municipal employees, including public school teachers.
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Added July 13, 2011
Barbara and Robin Levine-Ritterman have done a lot of things: changed the heart of Robin’s father with their committed relationship, raised two children, and beat Barbara’s breast cancer. Yet, DOMA still leaves Robin and Barb vulnerable because it prevents them from having the federal protections against the life threatening situations that they know too well.
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