The Republic (Associated Press) | Taxpayers group questioning public pensions making sweep of Ohio to highlight government costs

Findings from TUA’s pension project on Columbus, Ohio, are featured in this Associated Press article at The Republic. (The original version of this article referred to TUA as a “conservative” group.  The error has been omitted below.)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A national group campaigning to cut pension benefits for government employees has released data singling out Ohio government workers it says will reap hefty annual payouts in retirement.
Taxpayers United of America kicked off a statewide tour Monday by highlighting top pension estimates in central Ohio, including at Ohio State University and in state government.
Its research identified annual payouts owed to a Columbus police deputy of $213,000; to a state government employee of $215,000; and to a Franklin County government employee of $178,000. The group says that’s $10 million, $7.7 million, and $6.4 million respectively over those employees’ lifetimes.
The group advocates ending pensions for new government hires and requiring workers to pay more toward their pensions. Its tour continues in Youngstown, Cleveland and Toledo.

Youngstown Ohio: Top Secret Government Pensions Revealed

YOUNGSTOWN— Taxpayers United of America (TUA) revealed government employee wages and pension estimates for Youngstown and Mahoning County.  Ohio’s government employees are not only receiving generous salaries, but when retired, many will become pension millionaires.  Ohio officials refused to release pension figures, so the pension payouts are close estimates* for this report.
“Why are Ohio lawmakers hiding their pension information?  Are they more concerned with protecting abusers, than reforming a system that holds taxpayers hostage?” asked Christina Tobin, TUA Vice President.
“Youngstown area taxpayers struggle through this recession with average wages of $33,000, while government employees really rake it in for as many as 31 years of retirement benefits.  The maximum annual Social Security annual benefit is $22,000, regardless of how much an individual earned in their working career.”
“Youngstown mayor, Charles P. Sammarone can look forward to an estimated lifetime pension payout of $3,551,000, that is $75,553 annually, based on his current gross of $104,935.”*
“Youngstown government teacher, Wendy E. Webb had annual gross wages of $124,960 and looks forward to an estimated annual pension starting at $82,473 with an estimated lifetime payout of $4,288,622.”*
“Mahoning County coroner, Joseph Ohr had annual gross wages of $131,328.  Ohr will enjoy $3,711,333 in estimated lifetime pension payouts or at least $103,093 annually.”*
“Mahoning County mental health administrator, Ronald Marian grossed $128,983 annually and stands to receive an estimated beginning pension of $101,251 with a lifetime estimated pension payout of $3,645,050.”*
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