History
of the
California Retired Teachers Association
Area VII Homepage
CORE PURPOSE:
"To enhance
and protect
the benefits
of
retired educators "
Eva Hain, George Avak, Betty Soennichsen, Polly Bacich
Presidents: Past, Present and Future
2003-2011
MAJOR GOAL:
"To be
the dominant
authoritative voice
for all
retired
California educators"
Protecting California's Retired Educators
Click for TimeLine
1929 ~ 2008In 1914, the first retirement compensation law for California's retired teachers went into effect.
It provided for an annual stipend of $500 paid in quarterly installments of $125.By 1929 it had become clear that, if retired teachers were ever to improve their lot, they would have to do it themselves.
For this reason, Laura E. Settle and a group of other retirees met to form what would become the
California Retired Teachers Association.In the beginning the focus was, had to be, legislation.
In spite of a Supreme Court ruling to the contrary, it was generally thought to be unconstitutional to include already-retired teachers in any retirement bill.
CRTA's first major lobbying efforts were directed toward changing this attitude;
it was not finally laid to rest until 1935.
David Walrath
Legislation remains the key to protecting and enhancing
the retirement benefits of California's retired educators.CRTA employs David Walrath, a professional legislative advocate, to assist the legislative committee and all CRTA members in this effort.
CRTA is the only organization dedicated solely to this goal and is not affiliated with any other organization;
owes no loyalty to anyone other than California's retired educators.Anyone who derives a benefit from STRS, (retired educator or spouse) needs CRTA.