CHICAGO – Taxpayers United of America (TUA) Vice President, Christina Tobin, called on Ohio Gov. John Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly to set the standard for transparency by releasing its government pension data.
“I have written letters to Gov. Kasich and the members of the General Assembly, urging them to change the culture of secrecy surrounding government employee pension benefit amounts. They can champion a culture of transparency to ensure honesty and integrity through unlimited public review of all taxpayer funds.”
“TUA was in Ohio last week, releasing pension estimates for government employees. The first stop was the Ohio Capitol to hand-deliver the letters. TUA held press conferences in Columbus, Youngstown, Toledo and Cleveland releasing pension estimates for state and local government employees.”
“Ohio is one of a few states that interprets its Open Records Act exception regarding personal information to include pension payments. But as long as taxpayers fund the pensions, they have a right to review them.”
“In order to have the critical dialogue about meaningful pension reforms, Ohioans need to know exactly what kind of lavish pensions their tax dollars are providing for government employees.”
“I have asked Governor Kasich and the 129th Ohio General Assembly to take the lead in making Ohio above reproach through complete transparency with public funds.”
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TOLEDO—Taxpayers United of America (TUA) revealed government employee wages and pension estimates for Toledo and Lucas County. Ohio’s government employees are not only receiving generous salaries, but when retired, many will become pension millionaires. Ohio officials refused to release pension figures, so the pension payouts are close estimates* for this report.
“Why are Ohio lawmakers hiding their pension information? Are they more concerned with protecting abusers, than reforming a system that holds taxpayers hostage?” asked Christina Tobin, TUA Vice President
“I have hand delivered letters to Gov. Kasich and each member of the Ohio General Assembly, asking for transparency regarding individual pension amounts, as well as meaningful pension reforms that will be both fair and sustainable.”
“Toledo area taxpayers struggle through this recession with an average household income of $41,000, while government employees really rake it in for as many as 31 years of retirement benefits. The maximum annual Social Security annual benefit is $22,000, regardless of how much an individual earned in their working career.”
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- Ohio State University Government Employees
- Ohio Government Employees
- Lucas County OH Government Employees
- Toledo OH City Government Employees
- Toledo OH City Government Teachers
- Governor Kasich letter
- General Assembly letter
“Toledo mayor, Michael P. Bell can look forward to an estimated lifetime pension payout of $4,142,076, that is $88,129 annually, based on his current gross of $122,402.”*
“Toledo government teacher, Francine Lawrence had annual gross wages of $97,098 and looks forward to an estimated annual pension starting at $64,085 with an estimated lifetime payout of $3,332,408.”*
“Lucas County staff attorney, Jeffery B. Johnston had annual gross wages of $151,552. Johnston will enjoy $4,282,849 in estimated lifetime pension payouts or at least $118,968 annually.”*
“Lucas County deputy coroner pathologist, Diane Marie Scala-Barnett grossed $142,491 annually and stands to receive an estimated beginning pension of $111,855 with a lifetime estimated pension payout of $4,026,792.”*
“Each of the top 100 pension estimates of Ohio State University employees reaches the maximum estimated pension payout of $214,500 annually for an estimated lifetime total of $7,722,000!”*
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CLEVELAND— Taxpayers United of America (TUA) revealed government employee wages and pension estimates for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Ohio’s government employees are not only receiving generous salaries, but when retired, many will become pension millionaires. Ohio officials refused to release pension figures, so the pension payouts are close estimates* for this report.
“Why are Ohio lawmakers hiding their pension information? Are they more concerned with protecting abusers, than reforming a system that holds taxpayers hostage?” asked Christina Tobin, TUA Vice President.
“I have hand delivered letters to Gov. Kasich and each member of the Ohio General Assembly, asking for transparency regarding individual pension amounts, as well as meaningful pension reforms that will be both fair and sustainable.”
“Cleveland area taxpayers struggle through this recession with an average household income of $50,000, while government employees really rake it in for as many as 31 years of retirement benefits. The maximum annual Social Security annual benefit is $22,000, regardless of how much an individual earned in their working career.” Read more →
