Avoiding Layoffs
Two CTA-supported measures that would help districts reduce their compensation costs and reduce layoffs are awaiting further action in the state Senate.
On June 9, the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee on a 3-1 vote approved AB 212, by Assembly Member Bill Maze (R-Visalia). The measure would let districts provide up to four years of service credit as an incentive to senior teachers willing to retire.
All Democratic members of the committee - Senators Martha Escutia (D-Whittier), Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach), and Nell Soto (D-Pomona) - voted aye, with Sen. Rico Oller (R-San Andreas) voting no and Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) abstaining. The measure now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The measure contains an "urgency" clause that would make it take effect when signed into law, instead of on January 1, 2004. Because of that clause, AB 212 requires a two-thirds approval in each committee and on the floor of both houses. The bill cleared the Assembly without a single no vote last month.
The second CTA-backed measure is still awaiting action on the Senate floor. AB 1207, by Assembly Member Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro), would authorize K-12 and community college districts to offer senior teachers up to two years of additional service and age credit with the State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS). AB 1207 also contains an urgency clause and needs a two-thirds margin for approval.
The measure could be taken up at any time.
Both AB 212 and AB 1207 will likely need to return to the Assembly for concurrence of amendments made in the Senate.
Both bills require local chapters to bargain the benefit. Both programs include limits on returning to teach for persons who take advantage of retirement incentives. In both cases, none of time purchased in either bill counts toward enhancements and bonuses, including longevity, career, or highest year compensation retirement bonuses.
CTA Members:
Urge your state Senator to support AB 212 and AB 1207.