Paul Boyer's blockbuster speech at Lima's STRS HC discussion meeting 11/15/05

80 years old and just getting warmed up! Way to go, Paul!!

Retirement without Health Care is a BUMMER. But STRS cannot continue to provide Health Care indefinitely without an infusion of more income from the school boards and the active teachers and this can not happen without an action of the Ohio Legislature. It has been 21 years since the legislature has authorized more than 14% from the boards and many years since it authorized more than 10% from the teachers. Granted that our STRS retirement fund stands at the highest level in history due to the diligent work of our investment team, that money may not be used for the Health Care costs.

The Executive Director of the Ohio School Boards Association has declared WAR on STRS if they go to the legislature for an increase. He cites the fact that the state has cut money for schools and has caused them to lay off teachers and he claims that he will not be able to recruit good teachers if they know they are going to have to pay more money for retirement. I say that he will not be able to recruit good teachers if they are afraid there will be no health care for them when they retire.

Has he forgotten that he is a member of STRS and that when he retires some day he is going to want a good Health Care Program? Mr. Brandt, are you cutting off your nose to spite your face, as the old saying goes?

I have been one of the leaders in CORE, Concerned Ohio Retired Educators, for over the last three and one-half years and I have worked closely with Dr. Asbury and members of the board and the staff. Part of the time chairing a CORE committee that met monthly with Dr. Asbury and staff leaders. We feel that we have accomplished a great deal in this time in straightening out the profligate spending that had gone on for some years. The fund is in excellent condition now and operating expenses have been cut a great deal, but as I have said, that only saves our retirement, not our Health Care. Health Care is not a mandated program, it is permissive, only if the money is there to pay for it.

Out of my background of these past three and one-half years, I am here tonight to recommend that STRS expend all diligent efforts to get the Legislature to grant more money. Even though in ill health, I promise to write letters and make phone calls to key legislatures to persuade them to vote for this change. I urge all retirees and current active teachers and administrators to join in pursuit of this goal.

Thank you for your attention.

Paul L. Boyer
OEA, OEA-R & NEA LIFE Member
ORTA Life & ACRTA Member
"CORE" of the Core, LIFE member+

It should be noted that Terri Biederman (STRS associate) did attempt to pull the microphone away from Paul after Paul mentioned the magic word "CORE," but she was not successful and Paul was! (John Curry)

http://coremail.blogspot.com/

ORC 3307.15 - not just a wish, IT'S THE LAW!