The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

Teachers, state retirees show up in full force
to oppose potential changes to pension system
Kelly: Effort to create uproar could be to build consensus for tax package
Edwards: Changes likely to be directed at new-hires

By The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
CUMBERLAND, Jan. 6 -- Ten of the 18 people who spoke during the public forum with all four members of the District 1 legislative delegation on Thursday at Allegany College of Maryland railed against any potential changes to the pension system for those retired from state employment and and current teachers.

And roughly half of the estimated 150 people who attended the forum stood - quite literally - in support of those 10 who asked Senator George Edwards and delegates Kevin Kelly, LeRoy Myers and Wendell Beitzel to do whatever they can to block potential changes that, according to published reports, could decrease benefits received by the current retirees and next generation of retirees alike.

Teachers and state employees, they said, gave up higher pay when they entered the public sector and relied on promises of established pension rates as they planned for retirement.

Harry Grove, a 32-year member of the Maryland Classified Employees Association who worked at the Department of Juvenile Services and in court services, said retirees have lost several increases over previous administrations. That's money lost and never to be returned, he said.

Any changes, Grove said, "must impact everyone," include judges, state's attorneys and legislators.

Grove said he loved his job and he "didn't do it because of the pay scale. If it was simply for the pay, all of us would have left. We now ask that you strongly, strongly represent us, that our benefits and our pensions are not attacked."

The average state retired state employee receives an $18,000 pension, according to MarylandReporter.com. The average retired teacher gets $25,000.

Edwards and Kelly said they supported the teachers' and state retirees' assertions that promises made and contracts signed should be considered obligations.

"There probably are going to be changes made," Edwards said. "The changes will probably be directed at new-hires, more than likely. We understand your concerns. We made commitments to people in th epast and in the present. If we're looking at change, we need to look at the new people coming on board so when they're hired, they know what they're getting into."

Kelly, a Democrat from District 1B, said the issue really is "very simple."

"We made a promise to state employees ... And we have to fulfill it. It's an obligation. It's a commitment, and that money has to be found," Kelly said.

Kelly told Bill Bevan, of Lonaconing, that he thinks it's unlikely anything is changed to the system for current retirees and employees. He's convinced key lawmakers want everyone to get "fired up" and afraid over the possible changes so they'll support another package of tax increases.

Debbie Pappas, president of the Allegany County Teachers Association which represents 800 teachers, said the potential changes serve as "the most critical issue educators currently face."

She said the union strongly opposes shifting any of the burden of funding the pensions to county governments as that would result in a "decrease in educational quality."

"Shifting pension costs will have an adverse effect on local school boards' ability to provide a quality education program that meets the needs of our students," Pappas read from a prepared statement. "As they attempt to absorb the additional costs, local boards' ability to attract and retain highly effective teachers, as well as provide materials, resources, technology and education personnel vital to meeting the needs of students will be severely diminished by the additional pension liability."

Edwards noted that right now, there is "nothing on the table" and the state's pension committee is expected to submit a list of recommendations to Governor Martin O'Malley during the 90-day legislative session, which begins Jan. 12.