The important STRS laws that were lobbied by CTA and are NOW LAW. This includes

AB 429 (Correa) - Current retiree increase
AB 821 (Correa) - Highest year compensation
AB 2700 (Lempert) - Compensation for creditable compensation/retirement credit for summer school and other extra duties
AB 1933 (Strom-Martin) - Bonuses for years of service
STRS will begin analyzing the new laws and counselors should be ready to answer questions prior to implementation (most will begin January 1, 2001.)

Tax Credits for Teachers

AB 2879 (Jackson & Havis) Credit for each taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2000, to credentialed teachers in an amount equal to specified amounts depending upon years of service as a teacher.

More information can be found on laws and bills at www.leginfo.ca.gov.

CTA Scholarships Are Available

CTA has recently announced that applications are now being accepted for 2001 scholarships for members and their children. There are three categories of scholarships.
1. CTA Scholarships for Members
2. CTA Scholarships for Dependent Children
3. L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship (Student CTA members)
Each scholarship requires a separate application, letters of recommendation and verification of membership. In order to be eligible for consideration, all forms must be postmarked by Thursday, February 15. Applications and additional information are available at the MTA office.


The Executive Committee and the Board of Education have carefully monitored negotiations. In addition to studying the budget, both teams have begun exploring the best possible settlement package. Since part of the 2000-2001 settlement package is the elimination of the A column (settled in January 2000) the teams have explored further restructuring of the K-12 salary schedule.

Bargaining Chairperson Margie Granado (MPE) has stated that the team seeks the best possible package for the Bargaining Unit. This may be a unique year where we can actually enhance the structure of the schedule and raise the bar for all further negotiations.

Once negotiations are settled, a full presentation will be made on any creative concepts included in the package.

The Bargaining Team has made a general statement in appreciation of the support of the members and the expressed support of the Council.

The goal is to deliver the best possible package as soon as possible. In the mean time elements of the package are already in place including anniversary increases, the elimination of Column A, and Bargaining Unit members rated in at Steps 7-10.

CTA Scholarship applications are now available.