The California Senate has given its approval to a bill that would help more teachers qualify for retirement enhancements won by CTA.
Senate Bill 102 by Senate President Pro Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco) would reward
educators for their many years of dedicated service.
As amended, the CTA-sponsored bill would allow educators to use their unused sick leave - up to about 36 days for the average senior teacher - to count toward STRS bonuses. For many STRS members, these additional days will help them qualify for three major benefits:
- The highest annual compensation calculation benefit, for teachers with 25 years of service. This benefit bases teachers' pensions on their highest year's pay, instead of on the average of their three highest years' salary.
- The career bonus, which adds 0.2 percent to STRS members' annual service factor after 30 years of service.
- Longevity enhancements of $200-$400 after 30-32 years of service respectively.
The measure cleared the Senate on Jan. 27 on a 27-8 vote. For the measure to move further this legislative year, it had to clear the Senate before a Jan. 31 deadline.
SB 102 now moves to the Assembly for consideration.
CTA members are being urged to contact their Assembly members and ask for their support on SB 102.