Monthly Newsletter: October 2026

Dear Friends and Supporters,

October has given PAG plenty to think about and, as usual, plenty of questions to ask! From raising concerns about independent fiduciary oversight at the October 15 CTPF Board meeting to following the uncontested Teacher Trustee election and reminding retirees about the October 31 health insurance enrollment deadline, we've had a busy month advocating for transparency, accountability, and pension security.

Now, with Halloween approaching, I have to tell you what's really keeping me up at night.

It's not ghosts, goblins, or things that go bump in the night. It's the thought of pension promises surrounded by uncertainty, important questions going unanswered, and the possibility of losing an independent voice willing to ask those questions.

For years, we've personally invested our retirement savings to keep PAG's advocacy efforts going. We believed then, as we do now, that educators and public servants who dedicated their careers to others deserve transparency, accountability, and the retirement security they've earned.

But here's the truly frightening part: Those personal resources are now depleted, and we cannot continue this work without your support.

PAG is a grassroots nonprofit, sustained by people who believe that pension promises matter and that someone needs to keep asking the difficult questions. Every contribution helps us continue educating members, monitoring pension governance, and advocating for greater accountability.

We don't need a magic wand to make the scary stuff disappear. We need people willing to stand with us.

This Halloween, help us keep the lights on and the questions coming.

Please consider making a donation to support PAG's independent advocacy. No tricks, just a heartfelt request to help us continue this important work.

Thank you for your continued encouragement, engagement, and belief in our mission. Your support means more than you know.


With gratitude,


Tina Padilla

Founder & Executive Director

At the October 15 CTPF Board meeting, PAG called for an independent fiduciary-risk review of a proposal affecting pension trust membership. CTPF responded to PAG's concerns, but several important questions remain unanswered. 

Why does independent oversight matter, and what answers is PAG still seeking?

PAG raised important questions following the cancellation of CTPF's October 2 Election Committee meeting and delays in the 2026 Teacher Trustee election process. From candidate certification to election oversight, PAG called for greater transparency and clear communication with pension trust members. 

Learn why PAG believes fair, transparent elections are essential to protecting member confidence in CTPF governance.

PAG continues to monitor issues that may affect members, retirees, beneficiaries, and newer educators, including:


• Tier 2 repeal efforts and benefit equity for newer educators
• CTPF funded ratio and long-term funding health
• Dedicated tax levy revenues and property tax timing
• Investment consultant decisions and investment performance
• Retiree health insurance funding and subsidy levels
• CTPF governance, trustee voting transparency, and public accountability
• Public education funding, revenue proposals, and legislative advocacy opportunities


We will continue sharing updates as these issues develop.

PAG’s work grows when members, educators, and supporters help share reliable information and support pension education, transparency, and advocacy.


If this newsletter helped you better understand the work ahead, please consider supporting PAG.

Thank you for staying informed, engaged, and connected. Feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend.