Tom Curtis: Senator Schuring promises to protect retirees

From Tom Curtis, October 3, 2009
Subject: 100209 Discussion With Sen Kirk Schuring

Hello Educators,

Yesterday, I spoke briefly with Senator Kirk Schuring concerning the recent recommendations presented to the Ohio Retirement Study Counsel (ORSC) by the STRS board.

Sen. Schuring sd29@mailr.sen.state.oh.us is the co-chair of the ORSC this year. Representative Todd Book district89@ohr.state.oh.us is the chair this year.

Sen. Schuring feels January is probably the earliest any serious discussion will begin concerning the STRS recommendations presented to the ORSC. He further stated that this will not be an easy task as legislation must be drawn-up to address these issues and that will take a long time. Drafting legislation that will pass in the house and senate is no easy task. Such legislation is always highly sensitive and critical.

Another issue slowing down the process is that the even years are all about re-election. The Governor, half of the Senate and all of the house will be up for election in 2010. That means there will be very few session days.

Senator Schuring promises to protect retirees. He feels there is already a great many rumors out there and to not overreact to them. He indicated that he would be our contact person and welcomed me to contact him anytime.

We will continue to meet and discuss the many issues that have brought this situation about.

Tom Curtis