Deborah Silverstein's speech to STRS Board, August 14, 2008

As an STRS benefit recipient I am very thankful for the health care insurance that is offered to me. I can also appreciate the difficulty STRS faces in providing that benefit to me and I do realize that STRS is not required to provide that benefit. I retired 3 years ago from the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. When I retired, my premium was $144 per month. Next January it will rise to $207 per month. That is a 43.75% increase over three and one-half years.

HB 315 will provide funding for health insurance for a while, but at a cost to still-active teachers. In addition to the increased percentage asked of them, many, who describe themselves as "hopelessly resigned" to the actuality of HB 315, feel that the increase required of Boards of Education will be passed on to them through decreased compensation settlements at the bargaining table. The money has to come from somewhere, and most school districts find it increasingly difficult to pass levies in order to provide the students with the education they deserve. As one active teacher states, "We can't just bandage the wound. We need to stop the bleeding." The ultimate goal has to be to change the way the system works and that change will have to be fundamental and profound. HB 315, while necessary under the present system, will only provide temporary relief and is not a solution to the problem as a whole.

As members we put our trust in you to make decisions on our behalf and hope those decisions are in our best interest. Members also look to you for leadership on issues such as this one. I strongly urge this Board to examine every possibility for a long term solution to the problem, including and especially HB 186 and SB 168, known as the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. That legislation, if enacted would provide an improvement in benefits at a reduced cost to individuals while resulting in no cost to STRS. In addition, it would save school districts millions of dollars.

I realize that this solution does not yet exist and there are many who think it is a good idea, but that it will never happen. I say, "Don't concede the war before you fight the first battle." Yes, it will be a great challenge and it will take much work, but it can be done. This is an issue where no one can sit back and wait for "them" to do the right thing. We all have to be "them" and work to make this happen. As a member, I hope you will be willing to lend us your support and work with us to provide a permanent solution.

Deborah Silverstein
Kent, OH
dsilverstein@neo.rr.com