STRS COLA...a retiree writes to a member of the ORSC re. grandfathering the 3% COLA

From John Curry, February 21, 2010

Note from John...writing a member of the ORSC and requesting that current retirees be grandfathered from any COLA cut is, in my opinion, a pretty good idea. Who do you write to? Well, a list of those 3 Reps. and 3 Senators on the Ohio Retirement Study Council follows the letters below. The more letters they get asking for grandfathering.... the better!!!!!!!!!! John

Senator Sue Morano to Barbara Armitage, February 19, 2010
Subject: RE: STRS COLA

Dear Mrs. Armitage,

I would first like to apologize for my delayed response and thank you for contacting my office regarding this important issue.

As a member of the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC) I understand the importance of a strong and vibrant public pension plan for all of Ohio ’s state employees. Thousands of state employees depend on their pensions to be there for them when they retire after years of admirable public service. I understand the importance of the 3% COLA for thousands of retired teachers across the state and your idea to grandfather in current retirees is one being discussed. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to protect and strengthen Ohio ’s defined public pension plans.

Again, thank you for your email and please do not hesitate to contact my office in the future if you have any other questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Sue Morano
State Senator
District 13
.
From Barbara Armitage, February 14, 2010
Subject: STRS COLA

Dear Senator Morano:

Please do what you can to help us retired educators keep our 3% COLA. As health care costs and premiums increase, as do food prices, we are already falling behind inflation. Some of us may have stayed longer in the classroom if we had known that our income would be reduced. I spent 30 years in the classroom in central Ohio .

If changes must be made in the future, perhaps current retirees could be grandfathered. If the COLA amount must be reduced perhaps you could give current teachers at least 5 years to plan ahead so they are not taken by surprise. Are there ways to pare the staff or budget within STRS? I don't understand why only retirees are selected as the way to save money.

Thank you for your concern,

Barbara Armitage
Columbus, OH

Senators:

District 29
Kirk Schuring (R)
Senator
Senate Building
1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-0626
Email: SD29@senate.state.oh.us

District 13
Sue Morano (D)
Senator
Senate Building
1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 644-7613
Email: SD13@maild.sen.state.oh.us

District 12
Keith Faber (R)
Majority Floor Leader
Senate Building
1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-7584
Email: SD12@senate.state.oh.us

Representatives:

Todd Book
District: 89
Term: 4th
Term Limit: Not eligible to run for another two-year term
Address:
77 S. High St
11th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 466-2124
Fax: (614) 719-6989
Email: district89@ohr.state.oh.us

Dan Dodd
District: 91 Term: 2nd
Term Limit: Eligible to run for another two-year term
Address:
77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 466-2500
Fax: (614) 719-6991
Email: district91@ohr.state.oh.us

Lynn Wachtmann
District: 75 Term: 2nd
Term Limit: Eligible to run for another two-year term
Address:
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 466-3760
Fax: (614) 719-3975
Email: district75@ohr.state.oh.us