From the Desk of Jim Astorino, President

Employer Contributions for Police and Fire Pensions Need to be Equal

Since 1985 the Police Employer contributes 19.5% toward the police employee’s pension. The Fire Employer contributes 24.0% toward the fire employee’s pension. Back in 1985 there was an actuarial reason for the disparity because the demographics between the two groups were significantly different. Since 2001 our pension system has been aware that the demographics have seen significant change. In fact, it has been recommended many times that the Employer rates be equalized to eliminate the appearance that one group (fire) is subsidizing the other group (police).

Employers have a responsibility to make sure that pensions are fully funded within the context of the laws of Ohio and to make sure that the treatment of members is consistent for the benefit of all. The current pension contribution structure appears to have firefighters, and the Employers of firefighters, subsidizing the cost of providing an equal benefit to police officers. The NOFF is prepared to work with the state legislature and/or within the judicial system to correct this disparate treatment.

Determination of Pension Benefit Levels and Qualifications Should Remain a Legislative Responsibility

                The recent pension reform bill that was passed by the Ohio Senate (SB340) contained a change to transfer authority from the state legislature to the pension board on determination of benefit and qualification levels. Although this was also originally proposed in the bill that reformed the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), the system that covers many public employees including elected officials, the transfer of authority to the OPERS board was amended out of the bill. The NOFF believe the determination of benefits should remain a legislative responsibility, mirroring the decision to amend the OPERS bill and keep member benefits a legislative authority.

                The NOFF sees various problems with this change. First, the State Senate requested all pension systems to submit recommendations for reform that would be supported by the members. In February 2011 the OP-F board submitted their 30-year funding plan. In April 2012 the NOFF delegates supported those changes. When SB340 was introduced there were new modifications inserted by the OP-F board that were never disclosed to the members. This secretive, back room approach to pension reform is inappropriate and unfair to the members. Such behavior does not need to be rewarded with more authority, instead there should be consideration for more oversight on the OP-F board.

                The transfer of authority could also place the pension system in a precarious position. For example, in 2011 the state legislature made numerous changes to during the budget process that modified the distribution of revenue that was traditionally sent to the local communities. In order to balance the state budget the legislators kept the local community’s money. The state placed the burden on the local community to find additional revenue or make reductions. The OP-F board may be placed in a similar situation.

From a Firefighters Perspective:

Listed on the web site for Presidential hopeful Mr. Romney there are 59 Policy Proposals that he says will get America back to work. Four of those proposals are:

1. Align wages and benefits of government workers with market rates.

We spent most of 2011 addressing the misinformation that was being spread by conservative think tanks to have their “facts” support this propaganda slogan. The truth is the wages and benefits provided to government workers is aligned.

1. Reduce the federal workforce by 10% through attrition.

How does letting jobs disappear through attrition get America back to work? There will simply be fewer jobs.

1. Support states in pursuing the poorly named right-to-work laws.

Dr. M. L. Kingadvised we should not be fooled by false slogans, that this action provides no rights and no work, and that this fraud must be stopped.

1. Prohibit the use for political purposes of funds automatically deducted from worker paychecks.

To Mr. Romney, Corporations are people and he believes we need to reduce regulations on banks and businesses, but it appears that labor organizations need to be more regulated. This is another policy that has absolutely nothing to do about putting America back to work.

After reviewing these 4 Policy Proposals by Mr. Romney it is apparent to this labor organization that we do not need to review the other 55 proposals to discover that Mr. Romney is merely the national version of the 2011 Senate Bill 5. We said NO to SB5-Issue 2 in 2011, we need to say NO to Mr. Romney in 2012.

Northern OhioFire Fighters Charities

                In addition to the many services provided to our members, the NOFF has always been proud of our support of the community. Over the years, the NOFF has donated over $1 million dollars to the John A. Gannon Burns & Trauma Center at MetroHealth, raised over $2 million dollars for the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC) program and over $3 million dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

                At our recent conference the delegates recognized that our traditional fund raising was experiencing the effects of a stale economy and determined that it was time to invest in the future by expanding the reach of the philanthropic programs. In order to accomplish the expansion to include a more diverse geographic area the NOFF Executive Board was instructed to secure the services of fund development professionals.

                As with most new business ventures, securing adequate funding is an important first step. Over the years the NOFF locals have partnered with the NOFF Executive Board to achieve a bright future for our members and our families. Please check with your Local President and Executive Board members to help with this expansion program.

Upcoming Legislative Activities

                Last year we experienced the power of a legislative program that has membership that is engaged in activity. We need to recharge our energy and remain engaged in this election cycle. In addition to the presidential race, there are numerous candidates that need our support.

                A very important race this year involves Congresswoman Betty Sutton. She is the Democratic Congressional Candidate for Ohio’s 16^thDistrict which includes the communities of Berea, Fairview Park, Middleburg Heights, North Olmsted, North Royalton, Olmsted Township, Parma, Parma Heights, Rocky River, Strongsville and Westlake. As you can see we have many NOFF Locals in her district, along with many NOFF members living within her district.She is a true champion of labor and has always been a strong supporter of firefighters and certainly deserves our support.

                At the state level, Senator Tom Patton (R-24) is up for re-election. As we vote for state offices and remember the Issue 2/Senate Bill 5 campaign, it is important to remember that Sen. Patton was the Republican office holder that not only voted NO on Senate Bill 5, but he also assisted our coalition in trying to convince other Republicans to reject the bill. He deserves our support.

Also at the state level there are three candidates seeking to become new State Representatives. Their opponents voted YES on Issue 2 and deserve to be voted out of office. More information will be coming out as the campaign heats up but please keep your eyes and ears open for the following candidates:

House District 6 Anthony Fossaceca

House District 7 Matt Patten

House District 16 Andrew Meyer