Ken Ruth: Response from Senator Faber

From Ken Ruth, January 7, 2010
Subject: Fw: State Teachers Retirement System

Senator Faber: Thank you for your reply (see below). I could not disagree more! Public employees took their jobs because we wanted to positively impact society. We did so often at a lower pay than we could have gotten in the private sector with comparable education. To compensate we were promised a stable retirement with top of the line health care. The fiscal impact of those in Ohio's retirement plans is huge. WE VOTE!

Ken Ruth

From Senator Keith Faber, January 7, 2010
Subject: State Teachers Retirement System

Mr. Ruth,

Thank you for contacting my office. I always enjoy hearing from my constituents.

As we move into the New Year we must confront the reality of the five public pension systems head-on. All retirement systems have been forced to reevaluate their future and the State Teachers Retirement System is no exception. This is not matter of cutting spending or attacking educators; it is a matter of addressing a prolonged economic downturn and its affect on all retirement systems. As an elected official, and a member of the Ohio Retirement Study Council, I am tasked with being a part of the solution, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. This situation has left the legislature with two choices: make adjustments to the benefit plan or increase state contributions. The latter will pass the funding responsibility on to the taxpayers and we cannot in good conscience do this.

I have family and friends who are members of the public pension systems and education community, including my wife who teaches at Rhodes State Community College. The path that the General Assembly chooses will undoubtedly affect many proud public servants, but we must practice due diligence and we must do so in the interest of all Ohioans.

Again, thank you for your email. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions in the future.

Sincerely,
Keith Faber
State Senator
District 12