Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/214242
HIGH STAKE TESTS Advocacy Policy CalSTRS is major economic driver for California BY DINA MARTIN Infographic provided by CalSTRS Study shows teacher retirement provides $11 billion economic boost T H E N E X T T I M E teachers' pensions are attacked as being the cause of economic ruination, consider countering that retirement benefits paid by the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) provide an $11 billion boost to the state's economy — an amount equivalent to that generated by the state's renowned wine industry. That's one finding of a recent study prepared by economists at the University of the Pacific, commissioned by CalSTRS. "The study clearly points out that the majority of educator retirement benefits are being spent in the California communities where retired educators live and often built their careers," says CTA Board member Dana Dillon, who also chairs the CalSTRS Board. "Besides the gift of having enriched young minds and helping shape the future of 36 Educator 11 Nov 2013 v2.2 int.indd 36 NOVE M B E R 2013 11/14/13 11:47 AM