The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is finalizing plans for the 63rd Annual TRTA Convention to be held in Houston April 10-12, 2016. More than 1,000 retirees are registered for the event already, which is taking place at the Westin Galleria on 5060 West Alabama.
This year’s theme, “Hearts of Texas: TRTA Proud,” focuses on the strength and dedication of TRTA’s 257 local units and their homegrown, grassroots advocacy. Late registration for the Convention is open online, and will be available onsite beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 10. To view the full convention schedule, please click here.
In addition to conducting the business of the association, such as officer elections and bylaws amendment considerations, members will attend a number of training and educational sessions. A complete list of sessions, their descriptions and a schedule are available on our website here.
Legislation is always a key focus of our annual conventions, and despite 2016 being an interim year when the Legislature is not convening, our members are ready to address the looming $1.5 billion shortfall expected for the TRS-Care health insurance program in 2017. During the Legislative Luncheon being held on April 12, members will hear from TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie and area Senators Joan Huffman and John Whitmire about potential solutions to the TRS-Care shortfall in 2017.
Although the Legislative Luncheon is sold out already, the panel discussion will be broadcast live in the Galleria Ballroom on Level 3. All convention attendees will have the opportunity to hear this important information, which begins at 12:15 p.m. on April 12.
Members will also have the chance to hear from Texas Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) during Opening Ceremonies on Monday, April 11. Brady will discuss progress on The Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act (HR 711). HR 711 is a bill that proposes to replace the current Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) with a newer, fairer formula. To learn more about the WEP and HR 711, visit this page.
Once again, TRTA will have a Diamond Plus booth, found in the exhibit hall in the same area on Level 4 where registration will occur. Diamond Plus, a value-added program for members of TRTA, offers a permanent membership card, personalized attention and hassle-free membership renewals.
Members who pay their dues via payroll deduction or bank draft already are participants in Diamond Plus. Attendees who renew their dues for the 2016-2017 year via one of these methods can join Diamond Plus while at Convention by visiting the Diamond Plus booth. All current and new Diamond Plus participants attending Convention will also be entered in a prize drawing, with winners announced after Convention.
For any questions about your registration or delegate certification, please contact our Membership Department at 1.800.880.1650 or email us at membership@trta.org. We look forward to seeing you in Houston soon! Please be sure to share our press release about Convention with your fellow retirees and media outlets.
Thank You
Convention is sure to provide TRTA a platform for learning and growing as an organization. We look forward to seeing you in Houston.
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