Glenna Barr's speech to the STRS Board, March 15, 2007

Good afternoon, Dr. Asbury, Board Members, staff, and visitors.

I was disappointed when I opened my email Tuesday to find that the Thursday a.m. session was not going to be held. Also the health care benefit discussion was to be held on Friday again. I realize that all the Board members have schedules in their respective jobs to meet. However, for the retirees who wish to attend the Thursday session to speak and hear about health care and pension information, Friday is in most cases out of the question due to travel time, energy, and expense to attend both sessions.

Health care is of most importance to me and the eight Southwest counties retirees. I travel t the eight counties to speak to the ORTA county retiree associations to give them information as well as many of them call me regarding questions on this subject. This is not the first time this has happened. I do not know the reason for not having this Thursday a.m. session. If it is due to a Board member who cannot attend, could another member of the vice chair conduct the meeting? This is truly something for you to consider. Thank you,

Glenna Barr