Read the latest updates from the School Employee Retirees of Ohio.
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Dear James,
As the nation celebrates its semi quincentennial celebration, we recognize public education as more than a system of schools. It is one of America’s greatest achievements and finest freedoms.
From one-room schoolhouses to modern classrooms, public education has helped prepare generations of Americans to participate in democracy, contribute to their communities, and pursue their dreams. Here's to all of you that support that foundational freedom!
In service, Jim Janosik, CAE, CNP Executive Director
SERS
June Board Meeting Highlights
The June 2026 SERS Board meeting highlighted leadership changes, strategic planning, and program updates to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Leadership and Organizational Updates
Ray Higgins was appointed as executive director, joining in July, with prior experience in Mississippi and Georgia.
Richard Stensrud received recognition for nine years of leadership, retiring in July.
The Board elected Daniel Wilson as chair and Aimee Russell as vice-chair for FY2027.
Financial and Investment Planning
The FY2027 budget was approved at $43.2 million, covering personnel, services, and operations.
The Board approved the FY2027 Investment Plan, emphasizing asset allocation and performance goals.
Amendments to the investment policy changed private credit benchmarks to Morningstar LSTA and gold benchmarks to IAUM Gold ETF.
Investment staff approved commitments of up to $75 million to GoldenTree Private Credit Fund II and $100 million to LS Power Fund VI, funded from cash reserves.
Program and Policy Updates
Health care premiums for 2027 saw no changes for dental and vision; medical and prescription drug premiums increased modestly.
The Premium Discount Program offers relief to low-income recipients, with most participants continuing without reapplication.
A new KPI dashboard was introduced to improve transparency, with full implementation expected by July 2026.
Additional Highlights
The upcoming website redesign aims for improved navigation and accessibility, launching by June 30.
The Ohio Retirement Study Council reviewed SERS’ five-year experience study, confirming fund sustainability.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for July 16.
Read the full June 2026 board meeting highlights HERE.
LEGISLATIVE
House Bill 479 Passage Provides Temporary Tax Relief
As property taxes continue to place financial strain on many Ohio families, the General Assembly recently approved a one-time property tax credit for homeowners who receive Ohio's Homestead Exemption. The provision was included in House Bill 479, which Governor Mike DeWine signed into law before the Legislature's summer recess. The Homestead Exemption helps qualifying older adults and Ohioans with disabilities reduce their property tax burden by lowering the taxable value of their primary residence. Under the new law, approximately 710,000 homeowners enrolled in the program will automatically receive an additional credit on their January property tax bill.
The one-time credit is funded through a portion of the state's budget surplus and is expected to reduce property tax bills by approximately $450 to $475 for eligible homeowners. No application is required for those already receiving the Homestead Exemption—the credit will automatically appear on eligible property tax bills issued in January. While this additional assistance will provide meaningful relief for many seniors and Ohioans living with disabilities, it is important to recognize that the credit is temporary. Because it is funded with one-time surplus dollars, the additional reduction will not continue in future years unless the General Assembly approves additional legislation.
The measure also does not expand eligibility for the Homestead Exemption, meaning many homeowners who have struggled with rising property taxes but do not currently qualify will not receive this additional assistance. As housing costs and property values continue to increase across Ohio, long-term solutions will still be needed to ensure homeowners, especially those living on fixed incomes, can remain in their homes. Read more HERE.
Pupil Transportation Workgroup Releases Report
Ohio should guarantee a bus ride for every eligible public and private student and end the exemption for “impractical to transport,” says the workgroup created by the General Assembly, reports Cleveland.com. Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) plans to include the recommendations in upcoming legislation. Read the full article HERE.
Senator Moreno joins Sen. Warren to push for lifting cap on social security taxes
Current law puts a limit on how much personal income is taxed for social security. This bipartisan bill seeks to increase fairness by making higher earners pay their share. Read the full article HERE.
State Spending for Private School Vouchers Again Exceeds $1 Billion
Cleveland.com found the state’s spending on taxpayer-funded vouchers to private schools was over $1 billion, putting it on track to meet the projected $1.175 billion amount for the 2025-2026 school year. Not all payments had been made as of May 15, when the state had paid $1.027 billion for 173,147 study. Read the full article HERE.
Legislation Tracking
We are currently tracking the following legislation that may be impactful to SERO and to you. When member action is necessitated, as determined by the SERO Executive Board, we will reach out with directives. You may always track any of this yourself and reach out to the SERO office and/or Board members to share your thoughts.
Worried about rising rates? Here’s how to avoid a bigger bill after you stop working. Read the full article HERE.
Can you trust AI's financial advice?
Here’s what the technology is good at, what humans do better and how you can use them together to make smarter money decisions. Read the full article HERE.
Older adults are finding ways to make travel more affordable, from off-season trips and loyalty rewards to slow travel and house sitting. Financial strategies such as downsizing and budgeting help retirees maintain their travel goals while managing expenses. Read the full article HERE.
Summer sunshine can affect more than your skin. During UV Safety Month, it’s a good time to think about how you protect your eyes when spending time outdoors. Sunglasses, regular eye exams, and vision coverage can all play a role in supporting long-term eye health.
National Disability Independence Day is a time to honor progress while recognizing the continued need for accessibility and inclusion.
When communities remove barriers, they create more opportunities for independence, connection, and belonging.
Your member benefits continue to expand with SERO's offering of guided group travel experiences around the globe. Here are the current travel offerings:
Lifetime membership, available in either one-time payment or six easy monthly installments.
Under 55
$400
Age 55 to 59.99
$345
Age 60 to 64.99
$288
Age 65 to 69.99
$230
Age 70+
$173
Annual dues: $30 by check or $31.50 by credit/debit card or ACH
2-year dues: $61.50 by credit/debit card or ACH
3-year dues: $91.50 by credit/debit card or ACH
Monthly SERS dues deduct: $2.50
ALL of our memberships can now be paid with a debit/credit card or ACH directly from your bank account securely through the membership portal.
You may self-manage any of these new options by logging in to your membership profile HERE and choosing the desired membership. You may also call the office at 614-431-0387 if you need assistance with this. If you are on Dues Deduct, please call the office for guidance before switching to another method of payment.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS AT A GLANCE (click name to visit website)
The Voice of Working and Retired School Employees ohio-sero.com
4182 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219 • 614.431.0387
https://linktr.ee/OhioSERO
*Any content provided herein by SERO should not be construed as making any form of financial, legal, or medical advice. All material should be vetted by the reader personally and with their own professional advisors.
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