RH Jones: A supplemental benefit would help those who need it the most: those who have been retired the longest

From RH Jones, March 14, 2007
Subject: Fw: PLEASE ATTEND THURS:3/15:CORE Meeting Speaker:12:15 & Sen.Dann may speak to Board

John and CORE,

Dr. K. Fluke and I will not be able to attend the important CORE/STRS meeting tomorrow. There is illness in the Fluke family and heavy rain coming. Being 75-yrs of age limits our driving.

If I were to go, it would be to address the STRS board on the present need for a supplemental benefit this year. He and I feel strongly that this is a benefit is fair and helps those who have been retired the longest. The need is there.

It is not the retirees' responsibility to raise the funds: It is the STRS responsibility and a legislature that honors retired teachers today as they did more than 25-years ago by crafting this supportive O.R.C. Not all retirees will live to see the passage of any future HC/Rx benefit increases. Since multi-faceted grab for our STRS funds, retired members have suffered the most.

Retired members have always been grateful and honored to receive this benefit --Confirmation of this can be had by reviewing the large numbers of retired educators who gave their "'thank you" speeches at the public input portion of the many STRS board meetings most especially prior to the year
2000.

RHJones, SummitCRTA Leg CMTE Mem & CORE Mem.