Countdown to the General Election – Today is Patriot Day!
Today is Patriot Day! Patriot Day is an annual observance held on September 11 to remember those who were injured or passed away during the terrorist attacks in the United States on the same date in 2001. Patriot Day is an opportunity to remember what our country stands for and how we come together during […]
House Appropriations Committee Meets, Discusses Future of TRS-Care
The Texas House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III met today to discuss funding for TRS-Care and the implementation of last session’s changes to the retiree health care program. The committee invited testimony from both the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), as well as stakeholder groups, including the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). […]
Countdown to the General Election: Let’s Change History!
Labor Day has come and gone and with its passing begins the unofficial start of the 2018 mid-term election season. Historically, Texas tends to have one of the lowest voter turnouts in the United States, and that is something the members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) hope to change! Let’s change history this […]
Looking Back, TRTF Assisted Retirees in the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
The Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) is a charitable organization dedicated to helping active and retired school employees. One year ago, Aug. 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast of Texas and devastated thousands of lives. Among those lives was Diane Brady, a retired educator whose roof was ripped apart during the storm. Brady […]
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Senator Joan Huffman Pen Letters Requesting TRS Avoid Raising TRS-Care Premiums
The Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, sent a letter to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Board of Trustees regarding the retiree health care program, TRS-Care. Patrick is asking the TRS Board not to raise retiree premiums for TRS-Care. This letter was bolstered by a similar letter from Senator Joan Huffman (R – Houston), Chairman […]
Special Message About TRS Changing Rate of Return Assumption
Dear TRTA Members, The major action by the Board of Trustees to lower their investment rate of return assumption from 8 percent to 7.25 percent will shape our state’s public policy on TRS for years to come. TRTA is grateful to all the TRS Trustees for their long deliberation of this issue. This decision did […]
Teacher Retirement System of Texas Votes 5-4 to Lower Rate of Return Assumption
All eyes turn to next session as pension and health care programs both need higher contribution levels. Executive Summary: TRS lowers rate of return assumption to 7.25 percent. Change to rate of return assumption doesn’t impact current retiree benefits. However, it will require the Legislature to provide additional funding for retirees to receive a cost-of […]
TRS Board of Trustees Set to Meet July 26-27, Likely to Adopt Changes to Rate of Return Assumption
Executive Summary: Watch the TRS Board of Trustees Meeting on July 27. TRS Board is likely to reduce rate of return assumption. Texas will need to increase its contribution to TRS to ensure retirees can receive a cost-of-living increase. The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet on July […]
Texas House Pensions Committee Meets, Discusses Funding For TRS-Care and TRS Pension Plan
The Texas House Pensions Committee met yesterday in Dallas to discuss the status of the Teacher Retirement System’s (TRS) pension plan and TRS-Care. The committee reviewed the changes that occurred last session to TRS-Care and discussed the funding issues surrounding the retiree health care program, which is expected to have a shortfall in excess of […]
House Pensions Committee to Meet in Dallas May 10
House Pensions Committee to Meet in Dallas May 10 The Texas House Pensions Committee is scheduled to meet in Dallas on Thursday, May 10 and will discuss a variety of issues pertinent to Texas public education retirees. The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) encourages any and all members living in the Dallas area to attend […]