Molly to Duane: No one (at STRS management level) loses any sleep over our problems

Molly Janczyk to Duane Tron, December 30, 2006

Subject: Re: Please, Tell Us: What Options Do Retirees Have?

I assure you, no one has any trouble sleeping at night or feeling they deserve the large salaries. When I asked them face to face at a Damon/CORE meeting if they were giving their bonuses to needy retirees, they all said no. If any ask: WHY SHOULD THEY? They didn't plan long term and we suffer as a result. Sure, the market and the soaring HC costs were huge. But, had we long ago been guaranteed HC, we would not be in this untenable life-altering catastrophic situation. Sure, they feel sorry for us. Just not enough to contribute. One of their bonuses each would sure go a long way toward many retirees meeting their year's outlay allowing them to seek treatments and drugs they need. They said they had their charities. I said, WE ARE YOUR CHARITY! No response.

Heck, one $65 dinner would help a needy retiree. Excuse: not set up to do that. A system who writes their own bylaws could correct that, I would think.

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From Duane Tron, December 30, 2006

Subject: Re: Please, Tell Us: What Options Do Retirees Have?

I received my statement from STRS today and my monthly income dropped over $150.00 due to the increases they imposed on our health insurance. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Then I read about dozens upon dozens of top administrators who are making six figure salaries retiring with 88% of their three best years and then being rehired for the same pay. Many of these wonderful and caring people have increased their annual income to over $200,000.00 while we are struggling to stay afloat due to ongoing increases in the cost of our health insurance premiums. STRS has created two classes of retirees. The "haves" and the "have nots!" Guess which group we have been relegated to? We no longer have a fair and equitable retirement system now do we??! We retired and got screwed and they retire, rehire, and get rewarded!

Wow! If I were Damon Asbury I would have trouble sleeping at night! I guess this is what makes us very different in how we think and act in our individual lives. On the other hand I have found that people like Asbury don't have any consciences, and they lack feelings for others, and they can't or don't really feel or appreciate our pain! They talk the talk but since they don't have to walk the walk they have no idea, and probably don't really care, what happens to the rest of us.

My take for what it's worth! Happy New Year!

Duane Tron