To help cover the average funeral cost of $7,775, CalSTRS pays survivors $6,163 when a retired teacher dies.

But when a retired classified employee member of CalPERS dies, beneficiaries are paid only $2,000. To close that gap, CFT sponsored AB 2606, carried by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk, calling for an increase in the classified death benefit to $6,000 over four years. 

“Equality in public policy is a fundamental principle,” Mendoza said. “The fact that the heirs of classified employees receive less than other education employees is unfair and unjust.” Despite Mendoza’s effort, AB 2606 died in Assembly Appropriations.