[Hoot Gibson]

Just want to point out a few things. 1. I pointed to the surplus of TRS in '98 and since then the lack their of. 2. This study combines all retirement systems in 2014. 3. TRS current levels of funding are at 54 to 56%, as I have pointed out time and again.

To Hoot's point, teachers are tax payers as well. Teachers pay into their program 16% directly. Not counting the taxes teachers also pay as well. I will gladly pay into my own 401k as long as I get social security and get paid for my Masters and Rank one equivalent. I think the tax payers get a great deal.

To who started it please look at previous posts. I took you through '98-'18.

To someone else's point it will hurt education; think about this as of right now there is only one person who will be certified to teach physics that is going through the teacher ed program in all public universities at this given moment.

Nobody is stopping you from investing an additional 12.4% of your income, which is what Social Security costs those of us who will "get" it. I would have loved to have been able to invest that amount into stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles of my choice.

As for your continuing education costs, why should taxpayers foot the bill for degrees that have little bearing on how well teachers can perform their jobs? If you are dissatisfied with your career choice, then switch careers.

A masters degree is no substitute for competence. I would be in favor of eliminating the requirement for advanced degrees in teaching and rewarding teachers based on performance instead. There is no reason that performance appraisals, promotions, and raises should not be handled as they are in the private sector.