Pension Defense Fund Update: August 9, 2025
- ORTA
- Aug 9
- 1 min read
ORTA is committed to keeping members current in our quest to make sure your pension system is working for you. We cannot fund our legal expenses without your support. Specifically:
The expenses incurred by the improper removal of Wade Steen.
The ongoing expenses incurred by the “anonymous” letter sent by STRS staff to the Attorney General. This has resulted in significant legal expenses fighting unfounded charges against Wade Steen and Dr. Rudy Fichtenbaum. The court trial date is scheduled for October 2025.
An additional concern we need to address is the Midnight Massacre, which is an attempt by a handful of misguided legislators to reconfigure the representation of our pension board.
Help ORTA help you!
ORTA’s goal is to seek 1,000 members who can contribute $10 per month to the Defense Fund.
Last week, an additional 34 members committed to help us meet this goal, which brings our total to 100 members in just two weeks. These donations, along with single donations, brought in another $7,800 in donations last week. For those counting, ORTA has raised nearly $17,800 in a month, thanks to 307 donations.
Unfortunately, ORTA’s legal expenses are now nearing $300,000.
Please consider a donation, and a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have generously donated.
Robin Rayfield, Executive Director
Dean Dennis, Chair, Executive Council
