“It”— the pending pension spike — is all about you
by John F. Springer, PSEA Executive Director
Published June 2010 Voice
“It” is looming in 2012-13.
You frequently read about “it” in the newspapers. You hear politicians talking about “it” at public forums.
“It” is the anticipated pension spike, and lost in the public debate are the lives that it affects.
The media and some legislators talk about the spike as if it is simply an isolated, esoteric, actuarial issue that will only affect taxes and school districts. They ignore the real people who have spent their lives on the front lines, making education their priority, exceeding every new demand, providing the power of a great education, all in exchange for the modest promise of a secure pension.
The spike’s impact has not been lost on 13 PSEA and Student PSEA members who joined staff in creating a new video call-to-action called “Hands Off Our Pensions!” These members know that dangerous “solutions” being discussed in Harrisburg will actually hurt current and future members by causing divisions and generational conflicts that will result in lower salaries for everyone.
The video premiered at the May House of Delegates, and it featured EA, ESP and student members from across the state: Patty Conner, Southern Region; Melissa Edge, Mideastern Region; Korri Brown, Southeastern Region; Craig Gunn, Western Region; Victor Fedeli, ESP Region; Mike Fanti, Northeastern Region; and Maria Alvarado-Gomez; Northwestern Region.
Student members were Lauren Knupp, Edinboro University; Jessica Ferlenda, Lebanon Valley College; Scott Zarbus, Lebanon Valley College; Morgan Smith, Millersville University; Damon Stanchak, Carlow University; and Student PSEA President Meghan Draude Bergman, Carlow University.
These members place the pension spike in the context of important changes that have occurred in the past decade, changes some politicians only want to discuss in the abstract.
Standards and accountability have increased for public education professionals, and our members have met those challenges. Student performance improved, even while you made health care concessions and your pay struggled to keep pace with inflation. And now, after all of your on-the-fly adjustments and sacrifices, do they thank you for a job well done? No. They propose that you get a pay cut.
As Patty poignantly puts it: "Huh?"
You’ve worked with the promise of a secure, defined benefit pension. Your colleagues want your help in reminding lawmakers to keep that promise.
Please watch the video online at www. psea. org/pensions—and witness the power of members, your colleagues, coming together to speak with one voice, in support of your profession and your pension. Their message is clear, and it is for you, the members of PSEA. Encourage everyone in your local to view it.
PSEA will be asking you to write, call, e-mail, or visit your legislator in the coming months in defense of your pension. Circumstances will dictate some of what PSEA asks you to do; the nature of proposed bills in the General Assembly, or the attitudes of legislative leaders make the situation fluid. Quick action in response to these changing circumstances is essential; a rapid response is the best way to ensure that our voices are heard immediately, and that our reaction carries the maximum force.
Our message must be consistent, unified, and heard: Pennsylvania’s public employee defined benefit pension plans have a dramatic and positive impact on our state’s economy.
They are well managed and prefunded. They have not only helped buffer Pennsylvania’s economy during this extreme economic turmoil, but have also provided for the wellbeing of thousands of retirees and their families who received the retirement income they justly earned.
You’ve done your part, year after year, by contributing to your retirement with every paycheck. You didn’t cause the spike, but how lawmakers deal with “it” affects you and your future.
And that’s about as far from impersonal or esoteric as “it” can get.