The writer of the letter “School retirees deserve COLA increase” (July 3, TribLIVE) raised public awareness on the cost of living adjustment (COLA) issue, which led me to dig deeper and gain a broader perspective.

The issue that teachers haven’t had an increase in two decades belongs to the PSERS pension fund “that has been saddled with problems, disappointing investment returns and subject to several investigations,” according to a February 2023 Times News article. PSERS must get its own house in order.

The Legislature is debating House Bills 1415 and 1416 on teacher COLAs, costing taxpayers about $63 million a year. Foremost, the Legislature must focus on equitable education funding, as the state Supreme Court ruled that the state’s school funding method is unconstitutional. Shifts from school property taxes and primarily funding it with state tax dollars (income tax) will also help eliminate the burdens of homeownership.

The letter-writer stated, “the contributions I, along with my fellow retired educators, provided to students over the course of several decades were underappreciated and unrecognized.” These are code words asking for more money though she was duly compensated. Currently, retired teachers with at least 20 years’ service collect about $33,000, in addition to their Social Security benefits.

Every few years, teachers enter into collective bargaining agreements that are ratified and increase their compensation. Each time, teachers have the opportunity to include future payments, health care and retirement benefits. Agreements have been made and teachers need to live within their means and honor these agreements.

Gary J. English

Murrysville

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)