Close the Loop: Report Back to ORTA

To:  ORTA Members

From: Dr. Robin Rayfield, Executive Director, ORTA

Date: April 9, 2026

Re: Contact Your State Elected Officials

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.

Now, we need your voice.

We are asking every ORTA member and chapter leader to personally contact your state Senator and Representative and urge them to support Ohio’s retired teachers. A phone call or email from a constituent carries significant weight—especially when legislators hear from multiple educators in their district.

What to Say: Key Talking PointsWhen contacting your elected officials, please emphasize the following:

Retirees Lack Inflation ProtectionSTRS members do not receive guaranteed inflation protection, despite being promised annual cost-of-living increases. Social Security recipients do receive guaranteed inflation protection. Additionally, Social Security benefits are not subject to Ohio income tax, while STRS benefits are taxed by the state.

Ohio Teachers Pay More but Receive LessOhio STRS members pay the highest individual contribution rate among non-Social Security states. At 14%, our members are contributing more into the system relative to the value of benefits received. At the same time, the employer contribution rate—also 14%—is the lowest among non-Social Security states and is less than half of the national average. This imbalance is a key driver of the challenges facing STRS retirees.

ED Choice Diverts Funding from Public EducationOhio’s Ed Choice voucher program directs approximately $1.1 billion in taxpayer dollars to private and religious schools. This diverts critical funding away from public education and weakens the STRS system. The primary beneficiaries of these vouchers are families well above the poverty threshold.

Support HB 719

A bipartisan bill has been introduced at the statehouse that would protect the STRS pension board from a takeover by political appointees. HB 719 would reverse the amendment placed into the budget bill that silenced the voices of all STRS members. Most legislators didn’t even know the amendment was in the bill when they voted for the budget. 

Oppose Property Tax Elimination That Harms Schools

The proposed elimination of property tax in Ohio will reduce support for public schools, along with other essential government services. ORTA urges all public officials to oppose this measure. 

Close the Loop: Report Back to ORTA

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.

You can contact:

Dr. Robin Rayfield

Phone: 614-431-7002

Email: rrayfield@orta.org