CORE - Concerned Ohio Retired Educators

Important Dates and INFO | STOP SB 5 !

CORE's response to media attacks on public pensions / print and use

More Links:
Health Care Funding Initiative State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio The Ohio Retirement Study Council Ohio Retired Teachers Association	Kathie’s BLOG -an independent forum for educators The opinions expressed on this BLOG are not necessarily those of CORE, its officers, board members or membership. Policies and positions of CORE are posted only on our Website

CORE Talking Points

STRS board members must follow the Ohio Revised Code Section 3307.15; "The members of the STRS board shall discharge their duties solely…for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants…"
STRS healthcare fund needs a steady stream of funding. CORE supports the Health Care Advocates in sponsoring a legislative fix for the funding crises. As it stands now STRS will start to spend down the principal in the fund to pay claims as early as 2009.
The unfunded liability now stands at 47.5 years. It must be lowered to 30 years by Ohio Law. STRS projects that by 2009 it will be at 30 years once again. However, this estimate is based on flawed actuarial data. It does not take into account that we have lost 2,500 active teachers in Ohio and that active teacher salaries have not grown at the percentage predicted some five years ago. Some feel our unfunded liability is now far greater than 47.5 years making the 2009 prediction way off.
New persons elected to or appointed to the STRS board must have the qualification to make sound decisions in accordance with ORC. 3307.15 and be free to make independent decisions apart from any political affiliation.
Senate Bill 190 (passed in 1999) has created a two-tier system at STRS. One for those who retired before 1999, and another for those who retired after 1999 with much better benefits. CORE works for the weakest among us.
The "Public Speaks" portion of the STRS board meeting needs to be protected. CORE members regularly speak during this portion of the board meeting. CORE is working to protect this first amendment right. CORE members are encouraged to address the board about their concerns.
CORE meets bi-monthly with Dr. Damon Asbury director of STRS. Questions for Dr. Asbury should be sent to David Parshall for consideration.
Will the STRS day care center ever be cost neutral as promised?
STRS employees still are paid annually for sick leave or vacation time they do not use and are given "Service Awards" of $125 to $1000 dollars for simply working at STRS. This is at time when pensioners are being hit hard with healthcare costs and no 13th check.
Support for John Lazares (active teacher member of the STRS Board) and Dr. Dennis Leone (retired teacher member of the STRS Board) is vital to keep the focus on Your pension fund. All are encouraged to attend CORE meetings during the lunch hour on the day of STRS board meetings in STRS cafeteria.