On whose legal advice are you following when the board’s actuary determines that you have the monies to grant a one-time 2% COLA, but you don’t follow the language in ORC 3307.67 and grant the COLA? 

Dean Dennis addressed the STRS Ohio Retirement Board on May 20, 2026

I want to thank the STRS Board for adopting the Sustainable Benefit Plan. Members needed to see a plan for benefit restoration. 

As ORTA’s Executive Chair, I have a responsibility to address issues that impact our members' benefits.  I need to publicly ask STRS management and the Board the following question: 

On whose legal advice are you following when the board’s actuary determines that you have the monies to grant a one-time 2% COLA, but you don’t follow the language in ORC 3307.67 and grant the COLA?  Could you please state the rationale in writing so ORTA can share it with its members? Moving on..

ORTA is well aware that the biggest problem facing our pension is its underfunding. This falls under another section of the Ohio Code, 3307.14. In particular, Section E of the code seems to be ignored. 

I asked AI, "What is the intent of Ohio ORC 3307.14, especially section e, and is this tied to the Employer Contribution Rate?" 

The short answer:  Yes, it is explicitly tied to the Employer Contribution. Section E includes a fail-safe provision stating that if the Guarantee Fund ever falls short of the amount needed to meet its financial obligations and cover system-wide deficits, the shortfall must be paid by an additional employer contribution rate. This is a primary reason active teachers have a negative Normal Cost. 

It’s disappointing that the Ohio Legislature wasn’t held to its own language more than a decade and a half ago. The only worse thing than making such a huge mistake that harms so many people is failing to address and correct it. Now is the time for us all to hold those in power accountable with our voice and vote.   

Dean Dennis, Chair ORTA Executive Council