The Ohio Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement is a legally binding agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the retirement benefits provided to the employees of the state of Ohio. It is designed to provide a stable and secure retirement income for employees who participate in the plan. The Ohio Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement operates under the principles of a defined-benefit pension plan, which means that the retirement benefits are predetermined and not subject to investment performance or contribution fluctuations. This ensures that employees receive a fixed amount of retirement income for the rest of their lives. There are several types of Ohio Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreements, depending on the specific group of employees covered under the plan. These may include: 1. State Employee Retirement Systems (SEES): This plan covers civil service employees and public school district employees across Ohio, including teachers, administrators, and support staff. 2. Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERA): This plan covers a wide range of public employees, including state and local government employees, firefighters, police officers, and other municipal workers. 3. School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERVO): This plan is specifically designed for employees of the Ohio public school system, including teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria workers. 4. Highway Patrol Retirement System (HERS): This plan provides retirement benefits to members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and their beneficiaries. The Ohio Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement ensures that participating employees receive a steady and reliable income stream during retirement, based on a formula that takes into account factors such as years of service, salary history, and age at retirement. The plan is funded through a combination of employee contributions, employer contributions, and investment returns. The trust agreement part of the plan establishes the legal framework for managing and administering the pension fund. It outlines the responsibilities and duties of the trustees, who are fiduciaries entrusted with managing the funds in the best interest of the plan participants. The trust agreement ensures transparency, accountability, and safeguards the retirement savings of Ohio employees. In conclusion, the Ohio Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement offers public employees in the state a valuable retirement benefit. With various plans tailored to specific employee groups, it provides a stable and secure source of income during retirement. Through the trust agreement, the plan operates with transparency and ensures the responsible management of funds.