CalRTA Merced/Mariposa Division 34

** H.R. 7361 - The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act **
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Today we're again reaching out to 10 Representatives who co-sponsored H.R. 82, the bill that repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset.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.

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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]
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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,

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.