Dan MacDonald: We should all be concerned with a legislative approach to solve STRS’s problems

From Dan MacDonald

May 7, 2025

Here’s hoping everyone read the Toledo Blade Editorial Board May 2, 2025 piece on STRS and state legislators.  Our “Restorers” on the STRS Board ARE working for actives and retirees. [See post below this one.]

Our legislators are upset that the Board is allocating money to restore benefits to actives and retirees.  Outside actuarial consultant Cheiron created the Sustainable Benefit Plan before this Board. Cheiron was present before the Restorers held a majority of the Board seats. The legislature is unhappy with this STRS Board because it has requested a n increase in employer contribution which hasn’t been altered in 40 years. STRS is unhappy with this Board. 

STRS has requested a 9.2% budget increase for 2026 because the staff has lagged average wages in the Midwest, which is hard to believe with yearly 3%’s merit-based raises but outside consultant CBIZ presentation showed the info. 

We should all be concerned with a legislative approach to solve STRS’s problems. The STRS Board is working rationally and inquisitively with its outside consultants. STRS members should not turn to the Statehouse for help.