DOWAGIAC — Both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate have passed by wide margins legislation to clarify that part-time student workers should not be included in MPSERS, the state teachers’ retirement system.

On Tuesday afternoon, the House passed SB 888 by a vote of 107-2, following the Senate’s unanimous 37-0 vote in May. Since the House had slightly amended the bill, the Senate then re-voted 36-0 to concur on Tuesday evening.

The bill will now head to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.

“The Legislature’s overwhelming support confirms what Southwestern Michigan College and the majority of Michigan community colleges have maintained all along — it is not the intent of the Legislature for part-time students who work on campus to be enrolled in the state teachers’ retirement system,” said SMC President Dr. David Mathews Wednesday.