Please keep the letters and petition going. Some divisions are providing paper and envelopes at meetings to write letters,

We need to be careful to not appear to be attacking the Governors budget or the Cal STRS proposal. We just think ours is better. As educators we are very concerned about public education. The governor's proposal has much less money in it for education next year and would be a real hit for special ed.

We should contact local CTA Service areas and support their efforts to oppose the budget. We may not always agree with them about everything but we support education.

There is a real concern that if the SBMA is vested at 82.5% it will never go higher and the possibility of using some of the SBMA funds for health care payments will go away.

Every division should have people who are contacts for there local State Assemblyman and Senator and their Congressman. State Leg. Chair, Ken Hewitt would like to have these names.

CRTA will be celebrating our 80th Anniversary. A committee will begin planning right away and will be the focus of the 2009 Delegate Assembly. Each division is asked to compile a division history.

The Board voted to pursue a program called “Brain Wellness” that promotes nutrition, exercise, sleep and socialization as methods to maintain senior health. Ambassadors can be trained to go out in the community and speak about these things. CRTA could use this as a means of serving the community and letting our communities get to know CRTA.

I sent you the Leg committee summary.

Our financial situation remains strong however the dues increase is needed to keep up with operating expenses and increases mileage expenses.

The need for increased membership continues and a search is on to locate a person or firm to help with this and the leadership plan is being refined for testing in Areas I & II.

Carol Luhring, Area Director