Here's some things you may want to know about STRS: "Dear STRS....."

From Rich DeColibus, November 9, 2009

Top 10 Questions To Ask STRS

10. Are STRS employees public employees and, therefore, subject to all open records laws?
9. How many (what percent) of our Investment Associates are college graduates from accredited institutions of higher learning?
8. How many (what percent) of our Investment Associates have a significant background (major or minor) in finance and economics?
7. If the PBI program is so good, why is STRS afraid to subject it to a vote of the members (active and retired)? It's our money being paid out.
6. Why isn't STRS the retirement system for STRS employees? Granted, it would require one line of legislation, but who is opposed? Are the people who invest our money afraid to hitch their cart to our horse?
5. STRS has proposed a number of adjustments to benefits, retirement ages, years of service, etc. Is STRS also proposing the same proportional adjustments to its employees as it has proposed for retirees and actives?
4. Does STRS apply the same percent increase of health care premiums for its employees as it applies to the retirees' health care premiums?
3. Do STRS retirees' dependents have to pay the spouse rate for health care, or is there a special reduced rate for dependent children?
2. What percent of the actual cost of the health care premium does STRS pay for its employees and how does that compare to the actual health care premium cost (percentage-wise) it pays for retirees?
1. How much do STRS employees pay for their spouses, if the spouse is not employed by STRS or an STRS retiree?