Georgianna Galas
1997-1999

Among the accomplishments of CalRTA during the term of office of Dr. Georgianna Galas are the following:

*The Laura E. Settle Scholarship Fund committee increased the grants from $1,500 to $2,000.

*Marty Mathiesen was appointed to the STRS Board by Governor Pete Wilson.

*The Ruth Q. de Prida Purchasing Power Protection Act, which raised purchasing power protection to 75 percent, went into effect in January 1998.

*President Clinton signed a provision on August 11,1997 which allowed premium-free Medicare Part A after a person has paid premiums for seven years. This provision went into effect January 1, 1998.

*Dr. Galas presented a “check” for $23,000,000 to Emma Zink, STRS Board of Directors Chair, representing the dollar value of CalRTA members’ volunteer hours. This oversize “check” was presented in April during Retired Teachers Week.

*The first annual Sacramento Day for comprehensive lobbying activity at the State  Capital was established.

*Federal funding of the first $36 million from the Elk Hills Settlement Agreement was recognized.