Typically, ORTA does not send a newsletter out in July, however, there is so much happening that ORTA is sending out a brief update on what is happening at STRS, at ORTA, and with Ohio legislators.
First, I am happy to report that the Pension Defense Fund has been well received by our members. To date over 525 people have donated to the Pension Defense Fund. Our total collected to date is approximately $23,000. These funds will provide resources to support ORTA’s mission to protect our members’ pensions and impact STRS operations. Currently, our focus for the Pension Defense Fund is to assist Wade Steen as he fights to maintain his seat on the STRS Pension Board of Trustees. As you may know Wade was the first ‘reform minded’ board member. The Pension Defense Fund is accepting donations at this time.
If you are able, ORTA highly encourages you to visit our website at www.orta.org and make your donation today.
Second, ORTA has followed the actions of the elected officials in Ohio, closely. Despite passing the biannual budget, Ohio’s elected officials have dramatically altered the Ohio Department of Education, virtually eliminating ODE’s oversight and control of education in Ohio. With education now under the control of the governor of Ohio, public education will continue to be attacked and funds will be diverted to private schools across the state.
The next action being placed on the ballot in Ohio’s special election in August is Issue 1. ORTA’s position on Issue 1 is covered in detail below: ORTA Statement on Ohio Issue 1 on the August 2023 Ballot ORTA’S mission is to monitor, advocate for, and protect the pensions and benefits of its members. The Association promotes service & friendship across all 88 counties in Ohio. We encourage individuals to improve the economic changes and key issues relevant to their retirement.
As many ORTA members have reached out for guidance on the upcoming constitutional ballot initiative to alter the mechanism
BACKGROUND
Despite Ohio’s legislative pledge to NOT hold special elections (because of the costs of these elections) Ohio’s legislators have submitted yet another issue to the voters of Ohio in a special election this August. Issue 1 would alter the mechanism for changing Ohio’s constitution and make placing statewide issues on the ballot more difficult. This action, despite their pledge to not hold special elections, is an effort to make changing Ohio’s constitution more difficult. The current requirement is that a simple majority of votes cast in a referendum is all that is necessary to amend Ohio’s constitution. This falls in line with the democratic principle of ‘one person, one vote;’ majority rules. Ohio’s lawmakers are now asking that a super majority of voters (60%) approve any changes to the constitution. This change will, in effect, eliminate any chance to change Ohio’s constitution.
Issue 1 also requires a significant change in the way a any change can be presented for a vote to change Ohio’s constitution. Currently, ½ of Ohio’s counties must submit signed petitions to place a constitutional change to the voters of Ohio. If Issue 1 passes, all 88 counties must present signed petitions to have the constitutional amendment placed before the voters.
Plain and simple, this is an initiative with the intent to limit the voters’ capacity to change Ohio’s constitution. Below are the amendments/initiatives since 2000 that would NOT have passed if this amendment were in place.
2000 To issue bonds for environmental conservation and revitalization projects. Passed, 57% to 43%
2005 To create jobs and stimulate growth. Passed, 54% to 46%
2006 To raise the minimum wage. Passed, 57% to 43%
2009 To allow one casino each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, with tax revenue
distributed statewide. Passed, 53% to 47%
2015 To protect the initiative process from being used for personal
economic gain. Passed, 51% to 49%
ORTA’s Position on Issue 1
ORTA does not offer endorsements on general election issues.
Educators are a remarkably diverse group of people. We reflect the best in our society. Each person has his or her own opinion on political matters and ORTA respects all opinions on political matters. Our strength comes from our character and our independence. ORTA has fought for protecting our pensions despite overwhelming odds. Why? Because Educators know that standing for a principle and fighting for what is right is what compels us to engage in the work we do. Educators shape the minds of our society.
Because this issue is not directly related to our mission ORTA will share information regarding Issue 1 with its members and hope that the information we provide will lead our members to understand what is at stake with Issue 1 and vote accordingly.
Northwest Ohio
ORTA has been asked to announce a town hall style meeting with STRS officials in northwest, Ohio. STRS Executive Director Bill Neville will be in Maumee, Ohio on July 25 th for a question-and-answer session beginning at 11:00 am at the Lucas County Library in Maumee, Ohio. Although this is not an ORTA sponsored event, it will provide educators in northwest Ohio an opportunity to hear from STRS leadership and ask questions about the STRS pension system. ORTA members are encouraged to hear directly from STRS management.
In other news related to northwest Ohio, the Wood County RTA will hold a meeting to reorganize the WCRTA. The meeting is scheduled for August 16 th at 10:00 AM at the Wood County Senior Center at 140 S. Grove St. in Bowling Green Ohio. No reservation is required. Please plan to join the retirees from Wood Co. to make Wood Co. a strong voice in all matters associated with STRS and your pension.
