Hardin County Retired Teachers Hear Update on STRS, Education Issues at May Meeting

There were 19 members and guest Robin Rayfield who attended the Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association luncheon meeting on May 15. They met at noon at the Kenton Elks. Pres. Madelyn Lowery thanked the committee of Madelyn Lowery, Holly Ruhlen, and Melanie Kindell plus Sue Buroker and volunteer staff at the Elks for all the arrangements. She welcomed new member Jeanette Karcher.

Chaplain Melanie Kindell offered Grace before the delicious lunch of chicken or tuna croissants, applesauce, cottage cheese, beverages, and dessert. During lunch the scholarship basket was distributed and volunteer hours were collected. Money was collected for Kenton’s Soup Kitchen.

Norma Frederick introduced ORTA’s Director Robin Rayfield as the speaker. He began with nuggets of information dealing with Ohio’s State Teacher Retirement System (STRS). Gov. DeWine and his politicians has a budget bill planned for June. The idea is to add more people to the STRS Board and reduce the number of board members who are voted in by the Ohio teacher retirees and active teachers. The plan is to have one retired teacher, two active teachers, and eight people who are Gov. DeWine’s political favorites or investors. This unbalanced scale would make any decisions against the needs of retired and active teachers. At present those STRS members voted by active and retired teachers are in the majority and can fairly represent Ohio teachers. Gov. DeWine and his officials do not want to treat retirees fairly with a cost of living adjustment (COLA) as was promised.

Ohio’s politicians have a number who are against public schools. The idea is to allow a voucher for each student to choose a school whether public or private. The problem is that no money is paid to STRS from charter or private schools yet they receive money from the state. The fairness to public schools and the teachers is disappearing. As of now, this amendment has been blocked by a judge.

The STRS Board’s hands are tied about the COLA. The COLA has been suspended for 5 years and now on a pathway with a Sustained Benefit Program (SBP). As long as Ohio is funded by 80% to 90% for retirees, we are eligible for $2.4 billion. The SBP matrix could provide 1.6% of it for a COLA with $725 million for retirees and $525 million toward active teachers with a goal of 32 retirement years in 2035. It is thought that a one time COLA will begin on July 1. Receiving one’s COLA will depend on a person’s anniversary retirement date. Some will get a COLA this year and the rest will be next year.

ORTA has asked our legislators to help our retired teachers and consider future retirees. Ohio’s teachers gets the lowest support from employers and pays the least to retirees as compared to the other 49 states. House Bill 719, introduced by Rep. Jim Hoops, aims to reverse the new STRS governance changes made in a previous state budget. This bill would maintain the seven seats on the STRS Board so that active and retired educators keep their majority voice instead of Gov. DeWine appointing his favorite political and investor appointees.

Rayfield seems to have hopes for decent representation by the new Ohio STRS Director Steven C. Toole. He says that he listens and appreciates the ideas presented by Rayfield. The federal government will give a block grant to Ohio, but we wait to see what money will be given for Ohio’s schools. It is hoped to be a decent amount as politicians are against more property tax.

Following questions and answers, Pres. Lowery led the group in thanking Rayfield and began the meeting. Sec. Frederick read the April 17 minutes which were accepted. Treas. Joyce Hubbell had her report filed for audit. Today $92.00 was collected for scholarships; $125.00 for Kenton’s Soup Kitchen; and 170 volunteer hours. Other committees were given such as Membership Com. from Jean Kearns, Legislative Com. from Annetta Ansley, and Jodine McKinley stated the doorprize went to Kim Thomas. Melanie Kindell offered a prayer to finish the luncheon meeting.

The next meeting will be on September 18 at the Kenton Elks at noon. The speaker will be Tim Conkle for the Scioto Junction Train Club. The committee will be Jean Kearns, Joan Sullinger, and Joan Mouser. Donations will be for the train club. Having no other business, Pres. Lowery wished all a safe trip home and wonderful summer.

Submitted by Norma Frederick