Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett intends to move forward with a plan that would cost future teacher retirees an average of $16,166 per year. It is also estimated that it would cost the state approximately $47.3 billion to adopt the plan—more than the entire current unfunded pension liabilities combined.
This proposal is a lose-lose. Taxpayers lose, teachers lose, and it will only make the very real economic problems our state faces even worse.
Corbett’s plan would force all new teachers hired in Pennsylvania into 401(k) style pensions, even though it would severely worsen the pension funds’ financial position and cost retirees thousands of dollars from their retirement.
PFT 400 is asking members to help fight Corbett’s plan in two ways:
- On June 25th we are heading to Harrisburg for a statewide rally at the capital. Thousands of teachers, students, and education advocates from across PA will rally for public education across the state. We are sending two buses to Harrisburg that will depart from the PFT headquarters at 7:30 am and return by 8:00 pm that day. To reserve a seat, call PFT 400 at (412) 431-5900
- We’re also asking members to contact state lawmakers in Allegheny County and tell them to vote against Senate Bill 922, House Bill 1350, or any other bill that would have the same effect. Here is a list of lawmakers in Allegheny County that could benefit from hearing your opposition to this plan:
Senator Randy Vulakovich (R-Shaler)
(717) 787-6538
E-mail: http://www.senatorvulakovich.com/contact/
Senator Elder A. Vogel, Jr. (R-Rochester)
(717) 787-3076
E-Mail: http://www.senatoreldervogel.com/contact-me/
Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh)
(717) 787-6123
E-Mail: http://www.senatorferlo.com/contact-me
Senator Tim Solobay (D-Canonsburg)
(717) 787-1463
E-Mail: http://www.senatorsolobay.com/contact
State Representative Mark Mustio (R-Moon)
(717) 787-6651
E-Mail: http://www.repmustio.com/Contact.aspx
State Representative John Maher (R-Upper St. Clair)
(717) 783-1522
E-Mail: http://www.repmaher.com/Contact.aspx
House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Bradford Woods)
(717) 772-9943
E-Mail: http://www.repturzai.com/Contact.aspx
State Representative Rick Saccone (R-Elizabeth)
(717) 260-6122
E-Mail: http://www.repsaccone.com/Contact.aspx
State Representative Harold English (R-Hampton)
(717) 260-6407
E-Mail: http://www.repenglish.com/contact.aspx
State Representative Paul Costa (D-Wilkins)
(717) 783-1914
E-Mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=34
State Representative Dom Costa (D-Pittsburgh)
(717) 783-9114
E-Mail: http://www.pahouse.com/DCosta/contact.a
State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Verona)
(717) 783-1011
E-Mail: http://www.pahouse.com/DeLuca/contact.asp
State Representative Marc J. Gergely (D-White Oak)
(717) 783-1018
E-Mail: http://www.pahouse.com/gergely/contact.asp
State Representative Robert Matzie (D-Ambridge)
( 717) 787-4444
E-Mail: http://www.pahouse.com/Matzie/?pg=contact
State Representative Jake Wheatley (D-Pittsburgh)
(717) 783-3783
E-Mail: http://www.pahouse.com/wheatley/contact.asp
Remember, when you call a state senator or representative be courteous and respectful, but be forceful in your opposition to Corbett’s plans.