Molly Janczyk: Letter to Steve Wartenberg

From Molly Janczyk, September 16, 2009
Subject: Dispatch: Bonus pay article: 9.16, 2009

**Note: Reporter: Steve W.:

Please investigate the fact that employee contributions have not increased in decades despite inflation and soaring health care costs. The increases would be incremental over 5 yrs. and could be achieved without the consequences school boards tout. Monies are budgeted for about that amount yearly for increases to my understanding and cost waste could pay for much of it. Consider that top heavy administration salaries and jobs which could be trimmed, for example. Of course, the school boards state immediately the hit to school districts when it seems every district also has some waste which could be cut.

School districts have to pay one way or another. For example: Teachers will not be able to retire and will be in their 60's and 70's working to pay for health care. Paying for their health conditions will be costly to school districts as a consequence. Younger and less costly educators will be kept out of the profession with fewer jobs available. The school districts will be paying higher end salaries on top of the increased health care of its older educators. Also, the state and taxpayers will pay for greater use of the ER's due to educators losing or decreasing their health care costs by stopping treatments, drugs, and Dr. visits.

Compare the 2 scenarios and determine which costs more for the school districts and taxpayers over time. Incremental increases to provide educators who teach your children or an onslaught of ER use and an aging educator workforce draining money for their health care and salaries.

Thank you for giving this important issue affecting us all space in the Dispatch.

Molly Janczyk
STRS Retiree Activist