Dave Parshall's speech to the STRS Board, August 16, 2007

Dear STRS Board Members and Director Asbury, August 16, 2007

I am David Parshall a 38 year member of STRS. I speak to you today both as an individual, and as President of CORE. I wish to address two issues of concern.

First Issue: I wish to express to you that CORE opposes the introduction of Medical Advantage programs. These programs are nothing more than a attempt to privatize Medicare, or if you will a Medicare HMO. The only proven real advantage of these programs is that it shifts federal money into the pockets of the insurance companies while leaving seniors holding the bag with limited choice of doctor, and higher out-of-pocket costs. To think that a profit-driven insurance company can deliver better healthcare coverage for less than Medicare, which is the most efficient government program ever, is dishonest. There is a reason that the U.S. is ranked 37th in the industrialized world in healthcare, and that is the profit motive which drives our corrupt healthcare system.

Second Issue: I speak about this issue as an individual. My words don't necessary represent those of the CORE board or the CORE membership. It was great to see the initial strong stand taken by STRS and Director Asbury towards the recent attempts by our state legislature to divest money from our pension funds for political gain. Two young and naive freshman representatives were found who were willing to wrap themselves in the flag in blind patriotism while covering up the real issue, and do the bidding of those groups that swooped into town and invaded our legislature. After all, we all love our county, and what harm could it do to divest money from state pension systems? Before and after I was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal; with the help of John Curry, our CORE analyst, I was able to put together a clear picture of what was really going on. Recently a Dispatch article and editorial confirmed what I have been telling anyone who was willing to listen. This was a pure money grab by those who would profit from the divestiture. Some saw it as a wonderful opportunity to stick it to public educators for political gain. Why else did speaker Husted give Ohio's pension systems immunity from prosecution for violating their fiduciary responsibility? Many were shocked when in June the STRS board voted to give in to this unlawful money grab. You may say you did not really understand what was going on at the time, but how could you not? All you had to do was to spend an afternoon on the Internet, and read about these groups in their own words. They are enemies of public education, educators and pension systems in general. To give in to bullies only encourages them. This was our money, not state money, and you were sworn to protect it.

An effort in court to challenge the constitutionality of this bill should be undertaken. State Legislatures have no business deciding U.S. Foreign Policy. It was found unconstitutional in Illinois, and in few other states the divestiture was only voluntary. You need to continue the fight once the bill pops up its ugly head next session, and not turn your back on us. This was one of the darkest hours in the history of the Ohio Legislature.

We sometimes forget that we can be and are a large voice. We need to use it more often, and not just give in to our enemies, and believe me we face very well-heeled groups who want to do us harm. This is just the first battle.

Thank you,

David Parshall