04/24/2026
CalRTA Members Advocated for You in Sacramento
By Dr. Kathy Kinley, Governmental Relations Committee Chair
On April 8, more than 80 CalRTA members from all over California went to Sacramento to speak directly to the legislators or their staff on your behalf. They discussed the governor’s budget proposal to make changes to the roles and responsibilities of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. CalRTA does not have a position on the proposal, rather our focus was to remind legislators that the State Superintendent sits on the Teachers Retirement Board. “CalRTA requests that any current or future policy considerations preserve and protect the strength and independence of this pivotal Board constitutionally,” said Jennifer Baker, CalRTA’s Legislative Advocate.
We all know people who have been victims or potential victims of financial abuse and deception. Studies estimate that 1 in 20 older adults have experienced this abuse, and many have lost significant money to scammers. Others have had their financial institutions make attempts to prevent these losses. CalRTA supports AB 2674 (Schiavo), which would allow customers who have experienced a loss to inform their banks, which would then be required to investigate.
Health care availability and affordability are increasing concerns of CalRTA members. AB 1900 (Kalra) creates the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act. Since CalRTA’s platform indicates that we “advocate for and support full and comprehensive guaranteed affordable health care” we are supporting this legislation. This is a bill that provides legislative intent. There will be many steps and studies before such a system would be fully implemented.
For years CalRTA has been advocating for mandatory kindergarten in California. Retired kindergarten and primary grade teachers shared first-hand experiences with legislators on the importance of kindergarten in providing essential learning opportunities for young students. They voiced CalRTA’s support of AB 1631 (Muratsuchi) Elementary education: kindergarten. It is powerful for the legislators to hear directly from our experienced educators.
CalRTA began the fall of 2025 with the theme “Advocacy Is Our Focus.” The message was clearly demonstrated by the members who represented you at CalRTA’s Advocacy Day April 8. Though we have fun, the day takes preparation, effort and energy! We thank those member advocates for their advocacy efforts.
