Linda Meinelt's letter to House Speaker Armond Budish

Linda Meinelt to John Curry, June 4, 2009
Subject: HB 177

Please feel free to use any part of this you wish. A similar letter is going to my rep, Kevin Bacon. Be sure to include your address as they do not consider requests from non-constituents.

Thanks,
Linda

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Honorable Armond Budish,

As an STRS retiree, I urge you, along with Aging and Disability Services Chair Newcomb to schedule a hearing on HB 177.

With the economic downturn, many of our retirees can barely meet their daily expenses. The cost of our healthcare has climbed substantially, benefits keep decreasing and out-of-pocket expenses keep rising.

Additionally, the Board is talking about taking away COLA which has helped many to stay afloat.

Please help STRS retirees and prohibit the awarding of performance based incentives by STRS, at least until economic times turn around and the fund can support retirees and their health benefits.

Sincerely,

Linda Meinelt
Columbus, OH