Nancy Hamant calls for joint effort among state education organizations to fight Fordham Report

From Nancy Hamant, June 15, 2007
Subject: WCRTA Statement on 6-14-07

To all:

Kathie Bracy requested that I write up WCRTA's statement to the STRS Board yesterday regarding HB 151. It will follow in my email and I will also attach it for your use.

In addition, my concerns about the Fordham Report were confirmed when Damon in his report yesterday afternoon, stated that he did not think that the Fordham Institute or the report would "go away". Damon also said that the report was formally given to the Ohio legislature (representatives and senators) and to members of the media. STRS felt that it was important enough that they issue an immediate statement. I feel that it is of utmost importance that ALL education associations (for example OSBA, college groups, OEA, OFT, CORE, ORTA, the Ohio Coalition) all must get together to fight this report and any future actions by the Fordham Institute and its CEO, Chester Finn. I suggest that ALL the educations get together and develop a response statement to the Fordham Report just as STRS has immediately developed one.

Nancy (Hamant)

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WARREN COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Statement presented to STRS Board June 14, 2007

My name is Nancy B. Hamant. I am a 28.6 year STRS member. I am speaking to you on behalf of Warren County retired teachers and our President, Barbara Carvey.

I thank the STRS Board and Dr. Asbury for providing this opportunity for WCRTA members to present their deep concerns about SB HB 151 and also HB 152, as they seem to be tandem bills.

WCRTA appreciates the timely and intensive efforts of STRS staff and Dr. Asbury regarding HB 151 on behalf of STRS members and to avoid mandatory language in HB 151.

WCRTA strongly urges STRS to do everything possible to stop and/or Eliminate HB 151 including filing a lawsuit as to whether the Ohio legislature has the legal authority to pass HB 151 which unfairly targets only the five Ohio pension fund members and does not require sacrifice from all Ohio citizens.

If nothing stops HB 151, all efforts must be made to have the Governor veto HB 151.

If that fails, and STRS must enter into divestiture, WCRTA is requesting that STRS fully document the total impact to the STRS pension fund for each fund divested as follows:

1. Any loss for each fund divested;

2. Total cost of divestiture for each fund;

3. Total administrative cost of divestiture for each fund;

4. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE IMPACT ON THE UNFUNDED LIABILITY TO THE STRS PENSION FUND. Any loss is unconscionable!

WCRTA requests that the full report of any divestiture resulting from HB 151 be disseminated to all STRS members, each member of Ohio’s legislature and senate, and to ALL Media outlets!

Again, WCRTA urges STRS staff and Dr. Asbury to continue to vigorously fight HB 151 (and HB 152) as the bills’ impact on the STRS pension fund has the potential to be devastating to each STRS member – active or retired.