CalRTA Merced/Mariposa Division 34

CalRTA Merced/Mariposa Division 34 Your voice in pension protection and retirement security. Become a member and support CalRTA Advocacy on your behalf. Anyone who supports education is welcome.

Our commitment is to keep our members informed about important issues affecting them. We promote community service and keeping members connected with each other through interesting trips and programs. You don't have to be a retired teachers to join.

06/23/26 Call to Action | New Contact List for HR 7361 | Special SCAM Alert** SPECIAL MESSAGE - SCAM ALERT **Beware of "...
06/24/2026

06/23/26 Call to Action | New Contact List for HR 7361 | Special SCAM Alert

** SPECIAL MESSAGE - SCAM ALERT **
Beware of "Invitation" Emails

If you receive an electronic invitation from someone that you weren't expecting, DO NOT click any links or buttons in the message. Delete the message.

We are hearing from members that these emails are circulating widely. Many of the emails are from "Punch Bowl."

When in doubt, DELETE. It's better to just delete the email then call the person if you're not sure the invitation is real.

H.R. 7361 - The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act
Week #1 New Contact List - Just Click and Send
Suggested Message Below
We've swapped out the contact list to additional Representatives who co-sponsored H.R. 82, the bill that repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. We are asking for support for H.R. 7361 – the “No Tax on Restored Benefits Act.” This bill would ensure that the one-time, lump benefit payment under the Social Security Fairness Act is not subject to federal income tax.

CLICK and SEND - Simply click the links to open the preloaded messages in your email software. If it doesn’t open automatically, you can copy and paste the suggested message below.

Forward this Email to a Friend
CONTACTS

1. Representative Lauren Underwood (IL)
Staff: [email protected]

2. Representative Mike Levin (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

3. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

4. Representative Lucy McBath (GA)
Staff: [email protected]

5. Representative Hank Johnson (GA)
Staff: [email protected]

6. Representative Vince Fong (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

7. Representative August Pfluger (TX)
Staff: [email protected]

8. Representative Troy Nehls (TX)
Staff: [email protected]

9. Representative Steve Scalise (LA)
Staff: [email protected]

10. Representative Austin Scott (GA)
Staff: [email protected]

SUGGESTED MESSAGE

Dear Representative,
I am writing to strongly urge you to immediately cosponsor H.R. 7361, the No Tax on Restored Benefits Act, introduced by Congressman Lance Gooden of Texas.

As a cosponsor of H.R. 82, you already recognize the injustice that many retired educators, public servants, and their families have endured while waiting to receive the Social Security benefits they earned through a lifetime of service. Now that these long-overdue benefits are being restored, retirees should not be punished with unexpected federal income taxes on lump-sum payments they were denied for far too long.

This is an urgent matter of fairness. H.R. 7361 would amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain Social Security benefits restored under H.R. 82 – The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. This commonsense legislation ensures that retired educators and public servants can fully receive the benefits they earned, without being penalized by an unexpected tax bill.

I strongly urge you to cosponsor H.R. 7361 without delay and stand once again with the public servants who devoted their careers to our communities.

Thank you,

California Retired Teachers Association Member

Day of the Teacher Grants were presented to the following teachers! Congratulations!Jade staples - Merced City DistrictA...
05/21/2026

Day of the Teacher Grants were presented to the following teachers!
Congratulations!
Jade staples - Merced City District
Angela Reyes - Weaver Unified District
Angelica Lee - Merced School District

05/15/2026

Highlights of Governor Newsom's
2026-27 May Revision Budget Proposal
Jennifer Baker, CalRTA Legislative Advocate

Access the 8-page, detailed report HERE.
Below is a summary.

The May Revision reflects a now-positive year-end balance for both 2026-27 and 2027-28 and reduces several structural deficits by over half. The overall budget totals $349.9 billion while the General Fund totals $246.6 billion in 2026-27, which is close to $1.8 billion lower than the January estimate. Overall revenues increased by $16.5 billion over three years.

The May Revision does not include significant new ongoing expenditures and focuses on addressing reserves and spending for the next two fiscal years. This includes an operating reserve of $4.5 billion in 2026-27 and $2.1 billion in 2027-28. Total combined reserves, including the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA), the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties, and the Public School System Stabilization Account, total $29.9 billion in 2026-27. A total of $9.7 billion is proposed to be transferred to the Surplus Holding Account for allocation in 2027-28 to address the anticipated fiscal deficit.

A total of $151.6 billion ($91.3 billion General Fund and $60.3 billion from other funds) is provided for TK-12 education.

05/13/2026

** H.R. 7361 - The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act **
3-Minutes - Pre-Loaded Emails - Just Click and Send
Suggested Message Below
Today we're again reaching out to 10 Representatives who co-sponsored H.R. 82, the bill that repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. We are asking for support for H.R. 7361 – the “No Tax on Restored Benefits Act.” This bill would ensure that the one-time, lump benefit payment under the Social Security Fairness Act is not subject to federal income tax.

Preloaded messages are included below.

CLICK and SEND - Simply click the links to open the preloaded messages in your email software. If it doesn’t open automatically, you can copy and paste the suggested message below.

Forward this Email to a Friend
CONTACTS

1. Representative John Carter (TX)
Staff: [email protected]

2. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD)
Staff: [email protected]

3. Representative Blake Moore (UT)
Staff: [email protected]

4. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX)
Staff: [email protected]

5. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA)
Staff: [email protected]

6. Representative Sean Casten (IL)
Staff: [email protected]

7. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)
Staff: [email protected]

8. Representative Deborah Ross (NC)
Staff: [email protected]

9. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)
Staff: [email protected]

10. Representative Sanford Bishop (GA)
Staff: [email protected]
SUGGESTED MESSAGE

Dear Representative,
I am writing to respectfully urge you to cosponsor H.R. 7361, (Lance Gooden TX) the No Tax on Restored Benefits Act. As a cosponsor of H.R. 82, you understand that many retired educators and public servants have waited years - sometimes decades - for the benefits they earned. When these long-overdue payments are finally issued as lump sums, taxing them can create a significant and unexpected financial burden. H.R. 7361 ensures fairness by exempting these one-time payments from federal taxes, protecting retirees who live on fixed incomes and helping them fully receive the benefits they earned through years of dedicated service.

This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain Social Security benefits restored under the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. Retired educators and public servants who finally received long-overdue restored benefits should not face unexpected federal income taxes on those payments. For many retirees living on fixed incomes, additional tax burdens create unnecessary financial strain.

H.R. 7361 ensures fairness and protects retirees from being penalized after finally receiving the benefits they earned. I strongly encourage you to support and cosponsor this important legislation.

California Retired Teachers Association Member

Thank you,

04/29/2026

The Merced County School Boards Association is inviting all school district employees to attend the County Superintendent of Schools Candidate Forum!

Come learn, stay informed about the role of the County Superintendent of Schools and hear directly from candidates.

📆: Wednesday, April 29
⏰: 5:30 p.m.
📍: Golden Valley High School Theater
2121 E Childs Ave., Merced, CA

This is an informational forum only.

04/29/2026

** H.R. 7361 - The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act **
New Contact List - Pre-Loaded Emails - Just Click and Send
Suggested Message Below
Congrats! Your emails are working ... we're seeing movement with new co-sponsors. Let's keep the momentum going! Today we are starting outreach to a new list of 10 Representatives who co-sponsored H.R. 82, the bill that repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. We are asking for support for H.R. 7361 – the “No Tax on Restored Benefits Act.” This bill would ensure that the one-time, lump benefit payment under the Social Security Fairness Act is not subject to federal income tax.

Preloaded messages are included below.

CLICK and SEND - Simply click the links to open the preloaded messages in your email software. If it doesn’t open automatically, you can copy and paste the suggested message below.

Forward this Email to a Friend
CONTACTS

1. Representative John Carter (TX)
Staff: [email protected]

2. Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD)
Staff: [email protected]

3. Representative Blake Moore (UT)
Staff: [email protected]

4. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX)
Staff: [email protected]

5. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA)
Staff: [email protected]

6. Representative Sean Casten (IL)
Staff: [email protected]

7. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)
Staff: [email protected]

8. Representative Deborah Ross (NC)
Staff: [email protected]

9. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)
Staff: [email protected]

10. Representative Sanford Bishop (GA)
Staff: [email protected]
SUGGESTED MESSAGE

Dear Representative,
I am writing to respectfully urge you to cosponsor H.R. 7361, (Lance Gooden TX) the No Tax on Restored Benefits Act. As a cosponsor of H.R. 82, you understand that many retired educators and public servants have waited years - sometimes decades - for the benefits they earned. When these long-overdue payments are finally issued as lump sums, taxing them can create a significant and unexpected financial burden. H.R. 7361 ensures fairness by exempting these one-time payments from federal taxes, protecting retirees who live on fixed incomes and helping them fully receive the benefits they earned through years of dedicated service.

This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain Social Security benefits restored under the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. Retired educators and public servants who finally received long-overdue restored benefits should not face unexpected federal income taxes on those payments. For many retirees living on fixed incomes, additional tax burdens create unnecessary financial strain.

H.R. 7361 ensures fairness and protects retirees from being penalized after finally receiving the benefits they earned. I strongly encourage you to support and cosponsor this important legislation.

California Retired Teachers Association Member

Thank you,

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.

04/21/2026

⚠️ SPAM ALERT: “Punch Bowl” Email Scam

We’ve been notified that several members — including our President, Mark Allen — have had their email accounts compromised.

What to watch for:

An email with the subject line “You’re Invited”
Sent via “Punch Bowl”
Includes a button labeled “Open Invitation”
DO NOT click any links or buttons in this message.

What to do instead:

Delete the email immediately
Go to your Deleted Items folder
Permanently delete it from there

** H.R. 7361 - The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act **Week 3 with Current List - Pre-Loaded Emails - Just Click and SendS...
04/16/2026

** H.R. 7361 - The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act **
Week 3 with Current List - Pre-Loaded Emails - Just Click and Send
Suggested Message Below
Today we are emailing 9 Representatives who co-sponsored H.R. 82, the bill that repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. We are asking for support for H.R. 7361 – the “No Tax on Restored Benefits Act.” This bill would ensure that the one-time, lump benefit payment under the Social Security Fairness Act is not subject to federal income tax.

Preloaded messages are included below.

CLICK and SEND - Simply click the links to open the preloaded messages in your email software. If it doesn’t open automatically, you can copy and paste the suggested message below.

Forward this Email to a Friend
CONTACTS

1. Representative Clay Higgins (LA)
Staff: [email protected]

2. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA)
Staff: [email protected]

3. Representative Mike Bost (IL)
Staff: [email protected]

4. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

5. Representative Jim Costa (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

6. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA)
Staff: [email protected]

7. Representative Jared Huffman (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

8. Representative Haley Stevens (MI)
Staff: [email protected]

9. Representative Jay Obernolte (CA)
Staff: [email protected]

Day Of The Teacher!
04/14/2026

Day Of The Teacher!

Address

Merced, CA

Telephone

+12097619117

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CalRTA Merced/Mariposa Division 34 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to CalRTA Merced/Mariposa Division 34:

Shortcuts

Share