Tuesday, February 24, 2009

John Bos: A thank you to Bob Slater

From John Bos, February 24, 2009
Subject: Re: Monthly Financial Statements of STRS
Mr. Slater,
Thank you for including the STRS financial information in the monthly newsletter. I sincerely appreciate that STRS finally recognizes that we have the right to know about OUR ASSETS!
I would appreciate knowing why this information was not included in the report prior to Jan. 30th, 2009. Many of us have requested this information for a long time. Mr. Myers, an STRS Board Member and neighbor, even told me, "If you want the information, attend the meeting". You certainly understand that this comment was not an appropriate. Laura Ecklar has made it very clear that the financial information would not be released since she said we should only be interested in the "big picture". Since there now is concern about our medical coverage and concern about our retirement benefits, we are looking at the big picture. Unfortunately, Ms. Ecklar is only interested in the view from Broad Street and not the view in the other 87 counties. We are afraid! We have lost much of our investments. We now have lower income due to dividend reductions, lower interest rates, and loss of other employment.
You may also remember that we were told in writing last year that our benefits were "guaranteed". Is this still true?
Thanks for your assistance regarding these questions.
John Bos

From Bob Slater, February 24, 2009
Subject: FW: Monthly Financial Statements of STRS
Mr. Bos:
Mike Nehf asked me to respond to your email about STRS pension and Health Care Stabilization Fund balances on the STRS website.
The information from last week’s board meeting is not yet on the website, but I’m told it will be posted later this afternoon. The financial information you are interested in will be included with the “Approved Administrative Expenses for January” under the “Retirement Board” link.
Unfortunately, I will be out of the office until Thursday, but feel free to contact me directly then if you are not able to find the information or have questions about the information itself.
I hope this is helpful.
Robert A. Slater

Deputy Executive Director & CFO
STRS Ohio slaterr@strsoh.org
(614) 227-4009
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