I have been a paying union member for 22 years. Part of the AFT, PFT, PSEA, and NEA. Plus a former Teamster.

The PSEA spent many many PACE contributions promoting Gov Wolf before he was elected and while he was elected. In the PSEA magazine he was getting full spread articles about how great he has been for public education.

The union is very pro democratic politicians for very understandable reasons.

The pension reform, which he vetoed, will absolutely impact the quality of retired life for all new teachers moving forward. Some will use the saved DC funds (403b) wisely, most will blow through it very quickly, and be left w/ a pension that is HALF what their predecessors got.

Yes, Wolf screwed the teachers pension wise, and he didn’t have to. The state workers also got screwed. Some of my colleagues know this but many have no clue this change occurred, or the finical implications of this long term.

Corbet attempted to do the same, but he never signed off on pension reform because democrats would have lost their minds. Wolf was a useful idiot for the Republicans.

They could have done the following:

1. set a CAP on maximum salary (like social security)
2. changed the 3 average formula to a 5 year average formula
3. excluded coaching / extra curriculum income from calculations
4. changed year limits or multiplier

If you believed in the current system - this is what other states have done to trim costs but maintain integrity.

The plan under Corbet included #1, and the salary caps would have forced almost every superintendent into early retirement.

It should be noted that state legislators can join SERS or PSERS and I bet as the junior legislators age and they start to realize what they did to themselves, there will be some pension reforms again, that is better for members.

The 2.5 multiplier legislation was a result of politicians writing themselves into the PSERs system.

Slap on the wrist. Business as usual.

You'd be surprised at the extent of the child labor violations in Mcdonald's franchises. The treatment there towards the adults is even bad because of the corporate pressure. From what I understand, once you break past the mindless associate drone, you have the corporate hand up your ass constantly.

I drive truck for a living and i stopped going into NYC because of how many drug deals I had to watch in the streets and after the 3rd bullet i found in the front of a trailer .

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Yes, but they're being stored in an on-site spent fuel storage facility. I've seen the dry cask storage containers they have there and they are huge.

Plus, TMI is built like ADX Florence in terms of security. Nothing gets in or out without proper clearance.

There is absolutely no model for “higher starting salaries”. Salaries are determined district by district.

Perhaps Pittsburg did raise staring salaries because of the pension change, I have no idea if that is true. However a higher stating salary (if true) and an 11 year salary schedule is attractive. But the Pittsburg district also has $5,000 sign on bonuses right now….

The 401k is the slight of hand part that attracts the bugs to the bug zapper. It sure does look attractive. Unless you are retired for 10+ years. A 7% market assumption was part of what created this problem.

Let us not forget that the politicians created this funding problem by decreasing state/employer contributions because of higher market returns. When the market tanked, and the employer/state contribution did not return to previous levels. They literally kicked the can down the road for a decade+.

At the very least, they could have returned the multiplier to 2.0, or left the multiplier at 2.0 w/ a target of 25 years.

I see Pittsburg SD is offering a $5,000 signing bonus w/ around 170+ vacancies.

you’re being arrogant. People are saying it’s bad for teachers and good for taxpayers. Like everything it’s a trade off.

Based on the other comments in here I'm not wrong....

That’s kinda lame to just make sweeping generalizations instead of reading a detailed article and learning how the government is managing itself

One cause is high pensions take away from current salaries

Same

I was only a substitute and could afford and apartment just fine. I’m sure the full time teachers were making a lot more than me. This just isn’t true.

>Doesn't appear the op thinks a lot about science and fact

OP raises valid concerns even if they do believe the steam is smoke.

>Three Mile Island has been shut down since 2019. It poses no risk

Patently untrue. Nuclear waste materials remain on site, and will remain on site for the foreseeable future.

>someone needs to relearn how nuclear energy works

OP has valid concerns.

Are you referring to the SERS deferred compensation plan?

That’s new really true in PA for must city/suburban teachers.

The ubiquitous: if the punishment is just a fine it is legal for the rich.

You keep bringing that question up after literally every single person answered you.

There are programs out there if you need help (and stop telling people it's not you because the way you're posting it's definitely your electricity that's been turned off.

There are many agencies who can help you with your electrical bill. Seek them out. There's no shame asking for help

Edit: also I noticed you quit your job 2 weeks ago and tried to get ue benefits from quitting. That doesn't work either

You need a job to make money and you need money to pay your utilities

I dont believe that title for a second, anytime state regulators use the word "progress" I always assume its bad for the populace.

Probably a small fine to him, needs criminal penalties

Move to New Hampshire or Idaho. You’re not going to enjoy PA either with your positions.

In combat you always go for the juggler