"A look at the two pictures I have given you shows the normal way pensions are funded, as presented by Cheiron in October, 2024. It's been the same since Harvard published this diagram in 1965. But look what STRS has done to it. Instead of three income sources STRS has added a fourth, through its devious manipulation of the total pension package that Retirees were promised."

Pension Fight Club is an investigative documentary by awardwinning filmmaker Doug Orchard that provides a national examination of the systemic financial risks and lack of transparency currently facing public retirement funds, including the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio).

Now is the perfect time to join your local ORTA chapter. ORTA county chapters play an important role in supporting Ohio’s retired educators through pension advocacy, networking opportunities, member benefits, and community involvement. Joining your local chapter is a great way to stay informed, connected, and engaged during retirement.

Pension Fight Club is an investigative documentary by awardwinning filmmaker Doug Orchard that provides a national examination of the systemic financial risks and lack of transparency currently facing public retirement funds, including the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio). 30 years ago, public pensions were in great shape. Not anymore. What's going on? This groundbreaking 2026 documentary is a first-of-its-kind exposé that takes the most comprehensive look

Recognizing that there will be years in the future that the amount of money available will be less than what was available this year, it is important that the priority of protecting STRS members (active and retired) be prioritized over satisfying politicians that have little regard for our retirement system.

What's happening at your county chapter of ORTA? ORTA's county chapters play an important role in supporting Ohio’s retired educators through pension advocacy, networking opportunities, member benefits, and community involvement. Some chapters offer classroom grants and student scholarships. Joining your local chapter is a great way to stay informed, connected, and engaged during retirement. Scroll down to see the most recent chapter news.

It’s disappointing that the Ohio Legislature wasn’t held to its own language more than a decade and a half ago. The only worse thing than making such a huge mistake that harms so many people is failing to address and correct it. Now is the time for us all to hold those in power accountable with our voice and vote.

In my previous post, Why Is It So Hard to Beat an Index, I explained how an index works and why it is hard in theory to beat an index. In this post, I review the results compiled by Standard and Poor’s (SPIVA), the definitive source of information comparing index investing to active investing, to see how active management underperforms index investing.

In my previous post, Why Is It So Hard to Beat an Index, I explained how an index works and why it is hard in theory to beat an index. In this post, I review the results compiled by Standard and Poor’s (SPIVA), the definitive source of information comparing index investing to active investing, to see how active management underperforms index investing.

Attend the free premiere of the new documentary, Pension Fight Club, at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento on Tuesday, May 19th. The documentary will be released to the public after the premier on May 19th.

Make this summer one to remember. Whether you’re planning a road trip or an international getaway, we’ll show you how to travel smarter, safer, and more affordably. Every AMBA webinar begins with an ORTA Update by Dr. Robin Rayfield. Register today for this free webinar!

What will you see on ORTA's Facebook page? Monthly newsletters Weekly updates Announcements about county chapter meetings Information about free AMBA webinars Passport savings for ORTA members Become a follower today! Click here to visit ORTA's Facebook page. Follow the instructions below to invite your friends to follow ORTA's Facebook page.

To understand how the stock market works. When a company goes public, i.e., makes its stock available on a stock exchange, there is normally an initial public offering. Once that offering has been sold, the stock is available for trading daily.

Did you know that every AMBA webinar begins with an ORTA Update by Dr. Robin Rayfield, ORTA's Executive Director? Robin spoke about the following issues at the beginning of the AMBA webinar on April 28. (We've posted the recording below.) Watch the ORTA Update then stay to find out about living safely and independently at home. When will retired teachers receive their 1.6% COLA? What is the SBP Decision Matrix and how does it impact the restoration of your retirement benefits

It's not too late to register for this free AMBA webinar! This webinar has been rescheduled from April 21 to April 28.

The Canton Professional Educators' Association invites you to join them at the Memorial Civic Center for a moderated town hall event featuring gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton.

ORTA has sent the attached letter to all Ohio state legislators (Senators and Representatives). The purpose of this letter was to clearly outline the loss of benefits to STRS members and provide important background on the ongoing challenges facing our retirement system. After contacting your elected officials, please share their response—or lack of response—with the ORTA office. This information is critical as we continue to advocate on behalf of Ohio’s retired educators.

Dear Ohio Legislators, In this election year, it is important that we share our concerns with you and that you respond to ORTA so we know you have received them. Hundreds of thousands of active and retired educators—and their families—are paying close attention to decisions impacting their retirement security. Your engagement on these matters will not go unnoticed by the educators and families across Ohio who are closely following decisions that impact their future.

"Had I been at the meeting, my response to Mr. Bird would have been, the burden is on you and your fellow legislators to increase the employer contribution so that STRS can keep its promises." - Rudy Fichtenbaum

Rep. James M. Hoops addressed the Ohio House Public Insurance & Pensions Committee this morning during the first hearing on H.B. 719. Rep. Hoops introduced H.B. 719 in response to an amendment by Rep. Adam Bird to the 2026-2027 Operating Budget Bill 96 that would remove four of seven elected members of the STRS Ohio retirement Board. There is currently an injuction against the restructing of the board. H.B. 719 would undo the last minute amendment to H.B. 96 and restore the c