Legislators gunning for teacher pensions

Missouri has some of the lowest paid teachers in the nation, but it has always had a decent retirement plan. Naturally, the same legislators who have made a habit of downgrading teachers every chance they get have targeted the teacher retirement plan.

(From Missouri Retired Teachers Association)

On March 25th, Jim Kreider, Executive Director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA), delivered a petition with 29,998 signatures from MRTA members, supporters, and families to Governor Nixon; Senator John Lamping (Saint Louis County - Ladue), Chairman of Pensions Committee; and members of the Senate Pensions Committee. This petition is asking that four pieces of legislation detrimental to education and retirees' pension benefits, which are being pushed by Senator Lamping, be defeated or set aside.

 "It was a total surprise," commented MRTA Director Jim Kreider regarding the number of signatures and support gathered. I was expecting a maximum of 5,000 signatures. "I think this outcry from teachers, staff and retirees was phenomenal! It is my hope the Senators will listen to their voters."

 Missouri currently ranks 48th in the nation in teacher salaries. Missouri's decent and hard-earned retirement benefits for educators are the number one incentive for experienced educators to stay in the classroom. The children of Missouri benefit the most from experienced educators providing a quality public education stated Kreider.

 The Missouri taxpayer is being provided a world class education at a bargain price. Missouri is ranked 41st in per pupil spending whileMissouri schools are doing good work. Over the past 20 years in Missouri, ACT scores and high school graduation rates have gone up, while the dropout rate has steadily declined. Active educators and retired educators are a big reason why we have such good public schools.

 MRTA is a grassroots not-for-profit association consisting of over 22,000 members with 151 chapters or units statewide. The mission of MRTA is to serve and not to be served. Our members strive to uphold and improve the integrity, value, and missions of our public schools so that all school personnel may live healthy, vital lives and be secure economically, socially, and professionally in retirement.