Michigan educators are reacting to a circuit court ruling that gives them more time to comply with a brand new pension reform law.
The governor signed the legislation Tuesday, the same day the court ruling came down.
The Michigan Education Association says teachers simply needed more time to make a possible life changing decision.
"Giving them 52 days to become aware of it, to learn about it and to make a reason decision is to what's in their best long term interest, we thought was unreasonable," said Arthur Przbylowicz with the General Council with the MEA in Lansing.
Przybylowicz says they are glad to see an Ingham County Judge extend the timeframe for teachers to select their benefits, but says the law forces teachers into a corner.
"What they did, what the law does is tell school officials they have to make a choice of paying more for the same benefit or paying the same and getting a lower benefit," said Przbylowicz.
Two options the MEA doesn't agree with, but the governor's office say's at least they have a choice.
"The changes were actually there to make sure that retirement system is there, both for current teachers and future, rather than just not having that option soon, because it was getting so close to being a problem," said Snyder's Press Secretary arah Wurfel.
Przybylowicz says teachers should have the option of keeping their current benefits at the same price, a change he hopes will come when the issue heads to court in late November.
A court hearing is set for November 28th to decide if the new healthcare and pension law is constitutional.
At that point, items could be removed or added to the law.
