Ken Hewitt
2015-1017

Ken’s Presidency topics rewrite:

1. Continued attending CalSTRS Board Meetings, and participating in addressing the Board and Client Advisory on retired educator issues, and reporting CalSTRS actions in writing to the CalRTA Board. Special recognition goes to Pat Geyer and Paula Weiss for an excellent job in these communications. . Continued efforts to inform members about benefits we have, such as SBMA 2% annual increase, and 85%  purchasing power protection which we had worked hard to get, and a moderate death benefit from CalSTRS. 

2. Attacks on public pensions turned to the courts, local and state. We fought back, but with little success. This was an early indicator of the diminished influence we have because of membership decline.
3. Supported the State website overhaul, as necessary for CalRTA to relate to junior members. Special kudos to Debbie Pate-Newberry,  Gini Pedersen, and Ron Scott for their great accomplishment in this effort.
4. Advocated transparency at all levels of governance, communication, and finance.
5. Continued collaboration with the leaders of other organizations in carrying out our mission , in        recognition that we are more effective working together, than separately.
6. Supported the process of simplifying, clarifying Bylaws and Standing Rules, and ensuring that the official updated copies are posted to the State Website. Special thanks to Pat Seaman and Betty Soennichsen.
7. Traveled to Sacramento, , and Washington, D.C., to influence both state and Congressional legislators to act on behalf of retired educators, specifically on Social Security reform, the WEP GPO penalties.
8. Traveled to division and area meetings throughout California speaking to help inspire them with enthusiasm about the possibilities we could have as a larger force due to membership increase.
9. Supported diversification in membership and leadership. Thanks to Bill Kipp and Jesse Perry.
10. Worked with CalRTA committees to be more successful in clarifying and carrying out their assigned responsibilities. Invited them to board meetings to examine their success and their needs.  Strategic Planning continues to struggle with adequate success in this area.
11. Worked with David Walrath and CTA on successful negotiations with Legislators to mitigate the 30 year actuarial unfunded obligation at CalSTRS, by increasing all contributions to the Fund over several years.
12. Worked on the appointment by the Governor, of a qualified CalRTA member to the CalSTRS Board, after a vacancy in that position of over 14 years. Thanks to the great efforts of Judy Smith.