RH Jones: Hooray for the Ohio General Assembly

From RH Jones, April 29, 2009
Subject: Re: S.B. 3 - Enacted, OPERS reports

To all STRS members both active and retired:

My report: Ohio STRS employees now have to abide by the same rules as active educators.

Since OH STRS employees pay into OPERS, they can be made to forfeit their right to a retirement allowance or disability benefit or any other right earned by being a member except for the members accumulated contributions. They now have to “walk the walk” just as educators. I say “hooray” for the Ohio General Assembly. Please read the quote below!

RHJones, an OH STRS member’s opinion

At a recent OPERS luncheon meeting in Smithville, Ohio the following message was distributed:

127 General Assembly (2007 - 2008)

S.B. 3 – Enacted (Effective 5/13/08

• If a public employee pleads guilty to or is convicted of certain felonies while serving in a position of ‘honor, trust, or profit,’ the employee forfeits the right to a retirement allowance or disability benefit or any other right earned by being a member except for the members accumulated contributions.

• Applies to the following felonies: bribery, pattern of corrupt activity, theft-in-office, or a conspiracy to commit, or complicity in committing any of these offenses.

• Prosecutor notifies OPERS.