Kay Fluke's speech to STRS board, May 20, 2010

STRS Senior Retiree

As I view the STRS Board, Health Care Advocates, ORTA and OEA, I do not recognize anyone who can speak for the senior STRS retiree. That is the person between the ages of 70-80 with an average life expectancy of 77 (male) and 83 (female). Personally, I have been a life member of ORTA for 25 years and 30 years life member of OEA.

Prior to 1986 retirement, I was counseled by STRS in both group and individual counseling that health care would be provided for me, spouse and children. This has drastically changed. The benefit promise certainly influenced the timing of my retirement. Senior STRS retirees cannot recoup personal investment loss. Their health care has escalated. Consumer Reports indicates a 20% increase in health costs between the ages of 55 to 75. Cost of long term care predicated on age is sky-high. My goal is for you to recognize that cuts against the senior retiree would be devastating and not proportionate to other retirees.

Ad Hoc raise legislated in the year 2000 capped eligible senior retirees at 85%. The Ad Hoc raise legislated for active members provided a 35 year bump and at 3-4 years more, 100% of the final average salary.

Check/read the book The Story Thus Far, STRS 75 Years, 1995. Note: what will be the story in 2020?

Last year I spoke to Summit County Akron area recent retirees about joining ORTA and OEA-Retired. They want to know what the organizations have done for retirees and what is being done now for retirees. Why have 20 years passed since we have seen an increase in the employee contribution? The feeling was little organizational action was pursued to motivate legislators for the change.

Senior retirees should have "Golden Years" for retirement, not benefit cuts, but cost of living protection for inflation, which is just around the corner.

For about 25 years, I have served as legislative chair for Summit County Retired Teachers. My observation is that a third of the current membership could qualify as Senior STRS Retirees. We must have an advocate!

K.W. Fluke, Ph.D.
SCRTA Legislative Chair
Akron, Ohio