From Jim McGreevy: OEA Executive Committee Report to OEA-R

June 6, 2006

Thanks for sending me this, Jim. I hope Conni can also get the Board to work on the issue of double dipping by rehires. There's a loophole that definitely needs to be addressed, as it's hurting the pension system. It's certainly not helping new or laid-off teachers, either. It sure is helping the school boards and the rehires, though. Something's wrong with this whole picture.

Kathie Bracy

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From: Jim McGreevy, OEA-R Representative to the OEA Executive Committee

Re: OEA-EC Report to OEA-R

Date: June 6, 2006

The OEA Executive Committee met in Columbus on Saturday, June 3, and generally dealt with routine matters and reports.

Among items of interest to OEA-R members:

1. The Constitution & Bylaws subcommittee reported that it has received the initial attorney’s opinion on the rights of “rehired retirees” to hold elective office in OEA. No formal recommendations will be brought forward until further study has been concluded.

2. In his report President Gary Allen discussed a future (2007) push for a statewide ballot issue concerning school funding should the legislature continue to fail to act. If necessary, members will be asked to circulate petitions to secure the requisite voter signatures. This will be a developing story following the upcoming general election.

3. Gary Allen also reported on a recent meeting held at OEA headquarters with members of CORE (Concerned Ohio Retired Educators). All parties are interested in passage of legislation to provide a dedicated revenue stream for post-retirement health care for STRS members, both now and in the future. The legislation will be put in final, legal form very soon and will likely be introduced following the fall election. Several Senators and Representatives from both parties are considering sponsorship of the legislation and discussions held with lawmakers have been generally positive thus far. Notable exceptions to this are Sen. Lynn Wachtmann and Rep. Michelle Schneider who are hostile to the needs of retired teachers if additional taxpayer support is necessary. They offer no alternatives. OEA-R members should raise the issue with their representatives and senators as they see them at county fairs, community festivals and other public places as they campaign this summer. Urge their support for the STRS/HCA (Health Care Advocates) legislation. A comprehensive campaign for the legislation is under development by HCA and its member organizations, including OEA.

4. Conni Ramser, recently elected STRS Board member, reported that STRS is working on the problem of “adverse selection,” the tendency of relatively younger, healthier retirees to leave STRS-provided health care plans for less expensive private insurance. STRS must offer “products” that are attractive to all members to maximize the long-term viability of our health care plans. The HCA legislation should provide a solution on the funding side, but correcting the adverse selection problem would add greater stability on the “consumption” side. Speaking for herself and successful Board candidate, Mark Meuser, Conni thanked OEA for its support in the recently concluded election.