This year the PBI faces continued controversy associated with the ‘Retirement at Risk’ paper. This paper alleges the returns to determine PBI are less than the verified or audited figures. STRS members want to know that the STRS staff are earning their bonus payments. Two actions would help to instill confidence in STRS.

We are aware that STRS is underfunded, and I am glad that, although decades late to the party, STRS has made the fact that the system is underfunded known to the legislative bodies in Ohio. Although not optimistic that the elected officials in Ohio will offer any assistance, it is encouraging that the discussions surrounding STRS include the fact that Ohio does less than any other state in the US to support teacher pensions.

To the elected members, I encourage you to continue the struggle to implement reforms at STRS. To the appointed members, I encourage you to take the message to the person that appointed you to increase funding for STRS.