Report on September 2012 STRS Board meeting
From STRS, Sept. 21, 2012
September Board News
General Assembly Passes Pension Reform Bills
At its September meeting, STRS Ohio executive director Michael Nehf reported that the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives passed pension reform bills on Sept. 12 for all five Ohio pension systems. The STRS Ohio bill (Substitute Senate Bill 342) was based on the reform plan approved unanimously by the Retirement Board on April 19. Governor John Kasich is expected to sign the legislation on Sept. 26 and the effective date of the bill will be Jan. 7, 2013. Most of STRS Ohio's plan changes will take effect July 1, 2013, or later.
At its September meeting, STRS Ohio executive director Michael Nehf reported that the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives passed pension reform bills on Sept. 12 for all five Ohio pension systems. The STRS Ohio bill (Substitute Senate Bill 342) was based on the reform plan approved unanimously by the Retirement Board on April 19. Governor John Kasich is expected to sign the legislation on Sept. 26 and the effective date of the bill will be Jan. 7, 2013. Most of STRS Ohio's plan changes will take effect July 1, 2013, or later.
During the past three years, the Retirement Board, STRS Ohio staff, the
Healthcare and Pension Advocates for STRS (HPA) and the Ohio Legislature worked
hard to come to agreement on difficult, but acceptable solutions for pension
reform. The bill that was passed has the support of HPA, which was key to
getting legislative support.
The changes to STRS Ohio's benefit plan design increase age and service
requirements for retirement; calculate pensions on a lower, fixed formula;
increase the period for determining final average salary, increase member
contributions to the retirement system; reduce the cost-of-living adjustment
(COLA); eliminate the COLA for fiscal year 2014; and defer the COLA for future
retirees. Complete details on these components will be sent to members and
retirees in STRS Ohio's October newsletters and is available on the system's website.
Retired Educator Group Makes Donation to STRS Ohio
The Concerned Ohio Retired Educators, Inc. (CORE) President Dave Parshall presented STRS Ohio with a check for $11,499.48. Parshall said the group is disbanding and leaving its remaining funds to STRS Ohio to be earmarked for the system's health care fund. Retirement Board Chair Mark Hill thanked the group and recognized CORE for its dedication to issues impacting retirees.
The Concerned Ohio Retired Educators, Inc. (CORE) President Dave Parshall presented STRS Ohio with a check for $11,499.48. Parshall said the group is disbanding and leaving its remaining funds to STRS Ohio to be earmarked for the system's health care fund. Retirement Board Chair Mark Hill thanked the group and recognized CORE for its dedication to issues impacting retirees.
Retirements Approved
The Retirement Board approved 1,109 active members and 119 inactive members for service retirement benefits.
The Retirement Board approved 1,109 active members and 119 inactive members for service retirement benefits.
Other STRS Ohio News
Benefits Counselors Begin Fall Field Counseling
Benefits counselors returned to the road for fall field counseling in August. The fall season includes 26 locations throughout Ohio. Scheduling for these events began in July and nearly 1,500 members scheduled appointments at one of the first 13 locations. About half of these appointments are scheduled via the STRS Ohio website. Counselors met with 2,900 members last fall and scheduling is on about the same pace this year.
Benefits counselors returned to the road for fall field counseling in August. The fall season includes 26 locations throughout Ohio. Scheduling for these events began in July and nearly 1,500 members scheduled appointments at one of the first 13 locations. About half of these appointments are scheduled via the STRS Ohio website. Counselors met with 2,900 members last fall and scheduling is on about the same pace this year.
Annual Statement Testing Completed for New Option
STRS Ohio staff has tested numerous age and service combinations to ensure the accuracy of calculations and content of the Annual Statements that will be mailed to members in early October. Due to the pending pension changes, projections of various retirement scenarios based on age and service will not be provided as part of this year's statements; however, members are given a benefit estimate for disability and survivor benefits, as well as their account withdrawal value.
STRS Ohio staff has tested numerous age and service combinations to ensure the accuracy of calculations and content of the Annual Statements that will be mailed to members in early October. Due to the pending pension changes, projections of various retirement scenarios based on age and service will not be provided as part of this year's statements; however, members are given a benefit estimate for disability and survivor benefits, as well as their account withdrawal value.
New to this year's Annual Statement project is the ability for members and
reemployed retirees to opt out of a paper mailing and instead receive an email
when the statement is available to view in their secure Member Self Service
(MSS) account. About 2,200 individuals have opted out of receiving a paper
mailing this year. A viewable version of the Annual Statements will be available
on the secure site for all STRS Ohio members who receive an Annual Statement.
posted by Kathie Bracy at 5:00 PM
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