Kathie Bracy to Governor Strickland: Please say NO to HB 151, HB 152 and SB 161

To the Honorable Governor Ted Strickland
June 19, 2007
Dear Governor Strickland,
As a former Ohio schoolteacher and a 37.7 year member of STRS (before retirement), I would like to add my voice to those requesting that you veto HB 151, HB 152 and SB 161 if they are passed in the legislature.

All of these bills unfairly target educators and the strength and viability of our pension system, STRS. We have a hard enough time living on modest pensions and struggling to cover the cost of healthcare without the legislature's making it tougher for us. We accepted meager salaries all during our careers, believing we would have a decent retirement; now they threaten to take it all away from us in one way or another, as outlined in these bills. It is no coincidence these three bills are emerging at the same time. Somebody wants our money!!!

I know you are pro-public schools and anti-charter schools. I will do all I can to support you in your endeavors to strengthen the public schools and get rid of the charter schools. We do not need both; charter schools are a travesty and must go.

Thank you.

Kathie Bracy
(Address, etc.)
A life-long Republican who voted for you and a lot of other Democrats in the last election