Read the latest updates from the School Employee Retirees of Ohio.
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you cansee it online.
Dear James,
In 1962 Marine Corps aviator John Glenn solo missioned three orbits of our tiny planet. On April 1st, a 4-person crew aboard Artemis II blazed a new era of interstellar exploration. Astronauts often describe seeing Earth as a transformative, emotional experience, emphasizing its fragility and beauty and prompting a deep, shared sense of responsibility to protect it. May we all share that sense because truly every day is Earth Day!
In service, Jim Janosik, CAE, CNP Executive Director
SERS
Read the full March 2026 board meeting highlights HERE. Highlights include:
Francisco Partners (FP) presented on AI's impact on investing, emphasizing its role in technology sectors like healthcare, education, and finance.
Wilshire Associates and SERS staff are guiding the Board on asset allocation for the next five years.
Approved a $36 million commitment to Barings Perpetual Euro Direct Lending Fund, funded from cash reserves.
Total Fund balance increased by $470 million from December to January, reaching $22.43 billion.
Fiscal year return: 10.08%, outperforming the benchmark by 1.79%.
LEGISLATIVE
Schools Turn Toward Income Taxes as Property Taxes Fall Out of Favor
According to Cleveland.com, income taxes are gaining more attention in school districts across the state, especially in suburban areas, as lawmakers scale back state support and advocates push to abolish property taxes altogether. Read the full story HERE.
Ohio H.B. 203 - Aspen's Law - heads to the Ohio Senate
This legislation comes as a result of the tragic death of Aspen Runnels in May 2024. Runnels was walking from one school building to another when he was struck and killed by a motorist.
House Bill 203 mainly increases penalties for vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault that involve speeding or the commission of a traffic offense in an active school zone.
Additional provisions of House Bill 203 are as follows:
Doubles the fine for certain traffic offenses that occur in school-adjacent portions of active school zones;
Establishes additional requirements for driver’s license reinstatement that apply to an offender who committed vehicular homicide or assault in an active school zone, including completion of a remedial driving course; and
Establishes requirements governing the posting of signage in school zones, warning motorists of the bill’s increased penalties.
With a proposal to ban data centers in Ohio getting the go-ahead to begin collecting signatures, the Columbus Dispatch looks at other issues that may come before voters, including eliminating property taxes and protecting marriage equality. Read the full story 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.
The SERO Executive Board recently approved to endorse HB3, the School Bus Safety Act, which is currently in the state Senate for review. Support letters were sent to all state Senators encouraging their support and adoption of the bill.
Recently, the U.S. government launched a course on AI which can be taken via text message. Simply text "READY" to 20202 for a 7-day AI literacy course. Takes 10 minutes per day, covers prompting and "responsible use." Message and data rates may apply.
The No. 1 Thing Pickpockets Are Targeting Now
Travel + Leisure columnist Rick Steves shares what it is, and no, it is not your wallet that thieves are after. Read the full article HERE.
The #1 Thing to Avoid if You Have High Blood Pressure
If you have hypertension, a health care professional may have recommended lifestyle changes to bring down your levels. Don’t overlook this very important one. Read the full article HERE.
Registration to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting either in-person or online via Zoom is now open by clicking HERE. The event is free to attend and a light lunch will be provided after the meeting.
The meeting will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the CoHatch, 240 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43082.
The officer application form for those interested in running for state office is available HERE.
Proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws are available for members to review HERE.
SERO brings a new level of regional exploration to our members with our first ever group travel offer just for SERO, PERI, and ORTA members and their families and friends. Join us in September 2026 as we visit Kentucky Classics: Bourbon, Bats, and Bluegrass. Click HERE to view the full itinerary and details. Join us for an informational webinar with Prime Tours to preview the trip.
Join our friends at PERI and ORTA along with our benefits partner, AMBA, on Tuesday, April 21stfor a free webinar. This session will discuss Living Safe and Independent at Home. You’ll learn: • Easy home updates that make a big difference • How to organize essential documents • Ways to protect your savings while staying independent
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.
.png)
.png)
