STRS Ohio Health Care Program Funding Proposal

There has been growing interest by some STRS Ohio members and retirees to become engaged on a grassroots level with the campaign to obtain an ongoing and dedicated revenue stream for the STRS Ohio Health Care Program for current and future retirees. In light of that, we are offering guidelines on how an individual might participate, keeping in mind that there is currently no introduced legislation.

The specific proposal for a dedicated revenue stream: The legislative proposal would increase educators’ contributions by 2.5% and their employers’ contributions by 2.5% of teacher payroll, phased in at .5% increments per year over five years. At the end of five years, this initiative would provide a total of 5% annually dedicated solely to fund STRS Ohio health care. Without additional revenue, the STRS Ohio Health Care Program cannot continue.

Talking Points for “Personal” Message:

1. If continued health care from STRS Ohio is important to you, let your legislators know.

2. The plan proposed by STRS Ohio and the Health Care Advocates would create a dedicated revenue stream for health care through equal contributions by active teachers and their employers. Support by the membership indicates teachers are willing to take care of their own and make sacrifices now for the future.

3. Ask your legislators if they support the proposed plan.

4. If they do, thank them and ask them to take a leadership role.

5.If they do not, stress that STRS Ohio cannot continue providing health care without additional revenue. Ask who will pick up the liability for those who cannot afford health care coverage in the open market. Finally, ask if this means Ohio will simply add those retired teachers - present and future - to the uninsured rolls.

Guidelines for communicating with legislators are provided below. If you would like to share any feedback from your contact with your legislators, you can e-mail a message to the HCA Legislative Team at the following address: HC-Legislation@strsoh.org.

General Guidelines for Communicating Effectively With Legislators

Do:

Do be courteous.

Do keep the message short and succinct.

Do keep letters to one page, stating the purpose at the beginning.

Do include commendation for the legislators for past or current actions.

Do give reasons for your position.

Do ask legislators for a statement of their position on the issue.

Do include your address and sign your name.

Do follow up with your legislators after your letter has been answered and thank them. If they have agreed with your position, ask them to take a leadership role. If they disagree or are undecided, send additional information.

Don’t:

Don’t be unrealistic in your requests.

Don’t send form letters or cards.

Don’t try to address multiple subjects.

Don’t assume the legislators know all the details of your proposal.

Don’t threaten or attack.

Don’t degrade your legislators or your opposition, and don’t impugn their motives.