Letter to the Editor

Teachers retirement benefits

Friday, October 17, 2008

Dear Editor:

As a retired teacher I feel compelled to inform your readers of a true American injustice. After teaching in the public school system for 32 years I retired in 2005. Like most other college students I worked during college and often worked a second job while teaching. Currently I work part time to help pay for my health insurance. At these jobs, as expected, I paid social security at the same rate as any other worker. Imagine my shock when I learned that because I am a retired public school teacher in Missouri, I lose about two thirds of my earned benefits. Even worse married Missouri retired teachers lose most of the benefits paid in by their spouses. Along with the Missouri Retired Teachers Association many Missouri retired teachers have attempted to have this law repealed. While some federal legislators have voted to do so both Representative Hulshof and Senator Bond have not. Consistently they have voted against over turning this law. Along with child abuse I consider the poor treatment of our aging citizens unforgivable! Please take the time to contact these law makers and encourage them to help overturn this ridiculous law. In addition I urge you to vote accordingly when deciding the future of these legislators. Thank you!

Ron Kitchen

Leasburg, Mo.