Donna Seaman to board and others: let our COLAs alone!
From Donna Seaman, August 26, 2009
Please remember on Tuesday, Sept. 1, when you have your special board meeting, that 14 out of 15 speakers at the Aug. 20 board meeting, begged, implored, and insisted that you leave retirees' COLA benefits alone! (and why are you limiting the public speaking session to 15 people?)
If you were listening to those of us who spoke that afternoon (were you listening?), you learned how important that small change benefit is to retirees who no longer have job opportunities with which to supplement our retirement income.
STRS continues to change and cut retirees' benefits: the loss of the 13th check; reduction in health care benefits, and increased premiums for lesser coverage, now a possible reduction in COLA.
Yet STRS staff continues on its merry way with virtually no cuts in staff, benefits or salaries!
Your statement that "reducing operating expenditures is always important--but not a solution" is offensive and insulting. Staff cuts and reductions to STRS operational spending would give the board some badly needed respect and credibility. But you appear to listen only to Mr. Nehf (who cut COLAs in Georgia) and STRS staff who, of course, don't want to absorb any of the losses/cutbacks you inflict upon retirees. Your inference that internal cutbacks would be nothing but a "drop in the bucket" compared to the overall STRS assets is not believable or acceptable!
It's time for some major changes. You might be noticing that many more retirees are becoming involved, are attending board meetings, are speaking up, and are sending e mails to you and legislators. Wake up, board members! Start doing what is right for retirees! That is your fiduciary responsibility!
New board members, please take note.
Thank you.
Donna Seaman, 2002 retiree (These views are my own and do not reflect those of any organization.)
Subject: Special board mtg.
STRS Board and Mr. Nehf: Please remember on Tuesday, Sept. 1, when you have your special board meeting, that 14 out of 15 speakers at the Aug. 20 board meeting, begged, implored, and insisted that you leave retirees' COLA benefits alone! (and why are you limiting the public speaking session to 15 people?)
If you were listening to those of us who spoke that afternoon (were you listening?), you learned how important that small change benefit is to retirees who no longer have job opportunities with which to supplement our retirement income.
STRS continues to change and cut retirees' benefits: the loss of the 13th check; reduction in health care benefits, and increased premiums for lesser coverage, now a possible reduction in COLA.
Yet STRS staff continues on its merry way with virtually no cuts in staff, benefits or salaries!
Your statement that "reducing operating expenditures is always important--but not a solution" is offensive and insulting. Staff cuts and reductions to STRS operational spending would give the board some badly needed respect and credibility. But you appear to listen only to Mr. Nehf (who cut COLAs in Georgia) and STRS staff who, of course, don't want to absorb any of the losses/cutbacks you inflict upon retirees. Your inference that internal cutbacks would be nothing but a "drop in the bucket" compared to the overall STRS assets is not believable or acceptable!
It's time for some major changes. You might be noticing that many more retirees are becoming involved, are attending board meetings, are speaking up, and are sending e mails to you and legislators. Wake up, board members! Start doing what is right for retirees! That is your fiduciary responsibility!
New board members, please take note.
Thank you.
Donna Seaman, 2002 retiree (These views are my own and do not reflect those of any organization.)
posted by Kathie Bracy at 10:38 AM
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