Greetings ORTA Members. I'd like to take some time to share what goes on behind the scenes at ORTA so you can gain a better understanding of how your dues are working for you.

Within the last year, ORTA has met with the Governor's Office, the Treasurer's Office and the Office of the Department of Education. ORTA also communicates regularly with a number of legislators and other leaders. As of this point in time, for this calendar year, ORTA leadership has driven over 21,500 miles to support and advocate for members. ORTA has also been effective in supporting and promoting the candidacy of the last 5 members elected to a STRS Board seat. This bring us to what is going on with Wade Steen. Wade was appointed by the Governor but then abruptly replaced by the Governor the day before the Pat Davidson election victory was to be announced. This blatant action changed the balance of a Board that would seek transparency and reform, back to a Board that seems content with the status quo at STRS. The business as usually approach at STRS has resulted in members bearing the brunt of their inefficiencies. This action by the Governor is also believed to be illegal. How did ORTA respond?

ORTA’S mission is to monitor, advocate for, and protect the pensions and benefits of its members. With this in mind, ORTA opened up the ORTA Pension Defense Fund. This fund provided a vehicle for ORTA, through donations, to support Wade Steen in a lawsuit to regain his seat. The first legal action was filed 6/8/23 and the last and final legal action was filed on 10/3/23. To date, ORTA has been able to pay $33,000 of Wade Steen's legal fees, thanks to grassroots donations. While every legal opinion we have sought suggests Wade Steen should be reinstated, we are still awaiting the decision of Magistrate Thomas W Scholl III. We expect the ruling anytime and certainly hope that Wade is reinstated by the time you are reading this article. As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.

Here are some other behind the scenes activities ORTA is working on. House Bill 78 is on track to allow rehired retirees to run for a seat on the STRS Board. Prior to bringing this to the attention of legislators a rehired retiree wasn't eligible to run. Representative William Seitz and Joseph Miller are sponsoring this legislation. Another piece of legislation that has yet to be introduced, but has already been reviewed by the Ohio Legislation Service Commission, would provide an Ohio personal income tax exemption for members drawing a pension in Ohio's five state pension systems. Currently, the exemption would be limited to the Ohio Social Security maximum tax exemption. Representative William Seitz is exploring this legislation.

Lastly, please visit ORTA's newly designed website. Scroll to the bottom of the home page and find "Subscribe to our blog!" Be among the first to know about speeches made at STRS Board meetings, see the latest articles and editorials about STRS Ohio from Ohio's news outlets and get the latest updates about member benefits. Always remember we're here to protect your pension.

Greetings ORTA Members!

ORTA’s local chapters have been busy hosting local events as summer blends into fall. I have visited nine chapters over the last 2.5 months. It is wonderful to see the active nature of these local chapters. The months of November and December meetings that I am scheduled to visit are higher than last year.

Of course, with a membership demographic that is comprised of ‘older’ people, there are chapters across the state that are struggling. Many chapters face challenges with finding people to lead the local Retired Teachers Association. Declining membership and struggles to find people that are willing to lead are not unique challenges to ORTA. Just think about the many organizations that provide service to local communities, that face similar issues. Rotary clubs, Churches, Lions club across the country are in decline. My advice to local chapters of ORTA that are experiencing a lack of engagement is to examine what it is that your chapter attempts to do. In many cases there is a solid core of people that want the chapter to thrive, but these leaders are overwhelmed by having to do everything. Several successful chapters of ORTA have transitioned from the typical leadership model of electing officers (President, Secretary, Vice President, Treasurer, etc..) and have a small group of people that share in the leadership of the local group. Another challenge facing local chapters relates to where they will meet and who will provide the meal. Church groups that perform this service are becoming rare. One solution to this is to move to a local restaurant. Several meetings at local chapters I have attended meet at a local establishment. This may cause programming issues; however, the tradeoff seems to work for that group. After all, one of the primary reasons people come to local gatherings is to visit with their friends!

ORTA will be sending out a document that provides some suggestions for local chapters facing engagement problems.

The Wade Steen case against Governor DeWine replacing him on the STRS board of trustees continues in the courts. All the briefs, claims, and counter claims have been filed and are in the hands of the magistrate of the 10th circuit. Now we are waiting for the decision of the judge. ORTA hopes that this judge will make his decision based on the law and not the political people supporting the governor.

The fall meeting of the ORTA board will take place on November 15, 2023, at 150 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. in the conference room. Anyone is welcome to attend, however, we ask that you notify the office so that we can plan appropriately.

Attention ORTA Members in Northeast Ohio

A message from Carol Kinsey, ORTA Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison



Hi Everyone,  

This info from Tamla Cole at STRS  is intended specifically for STRS retirees currently enrolled in local Aultcare Medical Insurance. The in person meeting referenced here is intended for those persons whether they are Medicare or non Medicare age right now.

Everyone will be switched to Aetna on January 1. 

However ALL of you can help. Even if you are currently enrolled in Aetna perhaps you have friends or relatives still with STRS Aultcare. If so, please encourage them to attend one of these helpful transition meetings to be held right here in Canton on October 27. They may choose 10:00 am or 3:00 pm at the Marriott Courtyard.

As of January 1, 2024 Aultcare will no longer be an STRS option. 

Health Care Meeting to Offer 2024 Plan Coverage Information

strsoh.org

Please click on this link from STRS for more details and then use the REGISTER TODAY button. You do need to register so they bring an appropriate number of handouts. 

If you can not attend in person there are several webinar sessions available using the link above. Those sessions are separated for Medicare and non Medicare. 

Tamla has asked me to help “get the word out” since our geographic area is the one most impacted. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me (Carol Kinsey) at Cskinsey@aol.com or call 330-495-2318 OR call Tamla toll free at STRS at 888-227-7877. 

I’m reminding everyone to please watch for any info coming from STRS, Aetna, and CVS (the new prescription provider) and SAVE all of that info to refer to after January 1. 

You will notice some positive changes beginning in January. 

Stay healthy and happy but know you have great insurance IF you should need it!

READY TO RENEW?