The currently under consideration Ohio State budget had a “midnight amendment” shoved into its wording yesterday. By way of background, the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) has had an on-going battle with the state for many years. As a result, a group of retired teachers organized opposition to the unconscionable acts perpetrated at the behest of the Governor, DeWine (pronounced “Da-Weeny”). He has attempted to reduce income benefits and medical plan access for years. The opposition–the Ohio Retired Teachers Association (ORTA)– successfully gained control of the STRS Pension Fund Board last year and planned to introduce common sense back into the process. But yesterday the “midnight amendment” which was not discussed in any session will effectively render all the teacher reps on that Board powerless by taking away their vote. The key issues are Cost of Living adjustments and access to retiree medical plans–both of which were promised when the teacher was hired and all during their working careers. Along with the loss of purchasing power (tariff-infused inflation) these teachers–many in their 70’s and 80’s are facing the loss of medical coverage. NEARLY ALL OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE. So we have the worst of all worlds facing them. They will be paying more for all purchases and be required to shop for medical plan coverage at their advanced age. The affected count is nearly 500,000 retirees. This is your Republican government at work. Is this how we “make America great again”?
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