The press continues to try to sensationalize this matter. It’s time for our legal department to go to the AG and put this to rest.

Dean Dennis addressed the STRS Ohio Board during Public Participation on April 17, 2025.

Last month, I discussed some important topics. I will revisit some of these. 

Regarding increasing the employer contribution, the average employer contribution in non-social security states is 30%. We are locked at 14%. If we are serious about addressing our problems, we must strive for an employer contribution with a variable employer-contribution rate component. Hiding our needs from the public and the Ohio Legislature amounts to kicking the can down the road.

Regarding the AG, he acted on an anonymous 14-page document submitted by the STRS staff. Considering the allegations, he had no choice. However, it has been nearly a year, and the investigation has not revealed any wrongdoing. All the while, the two accused parties have been extremely forthright. To this date, the press continues to try to sensationalize this matter. It’s time for our legal department to go to the AG and put this to rest. Perhaps a board resolution is in order.

Lastly, Ohio does not tax Social Security benefits. So why does Ohio tax our pension benefits? We pay double the Social Security contribution, yet don’t have a COLA, much less a compounded COLA. I brought this matter to Representative Seitz before his retirement. He looked into this issue and agreed it was a valid concern. Representative Seitz sent this tax issue to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, and the review has been completed. Representative Seitz felt the tax break was doable. I suggest incorporating this tax break in Senate Bill 69 and include all public pension beneficiaries. 

Dean Dennis Chair, Executive Committee, ORTA April 17, 2025