A Reflection of Karen’s Journey as a Teacher: Honoring the ‘Mama of Highland Park Elementary’
After more than two decades in education, Karen Lowther’s name is spoken with love, laughter, and admiration within the halls of Highland Park Elementary. Recently retired from Plugerville Independent School District (ISD), Karen’s story is one of unwavering dedication, humor, passion, and the kind of presence that leaves a lasting imprint—not just in a classroom, […]
Texas House Passes HB 3221 – Will Require Additional State Funding
The Texas House of Representatives passed HB 3221, as amended, by Rep. Carl Tepper (R-Lubbock) on third and final reading today. The amendment requires the state to provide additional funding to prevent any actuarial impact from HB 3221 to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). HB 3221 seeks to equalize TRS contribution percentages for […]
Tim Lee Live Today at 2:00 P.M. Central!
Over the last few years, TRS retirees have seen the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), a cost-of-living increase, a 13th check, increased state funding for the pension fund, and reduced TRS-Care premiums. These successes have been due to the strength of TRTA’s membership. Together we are stronger and more […]
Social Security Administration Announces Implementation of WEP/GPO Repeal Dates
WATCH TIM LEE’S UPDATE HERE. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on February 25, 2025, that the implementation of the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) is underway. Per the SSA website: “Starting the week of February 24, 2025, SSA is beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase […]
House Appropriations Article III Meets, Receives Testimony From TRTA
The Texas House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III met Monday, February 24, 2025, to review HB 1, the state budget. The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) testified, and the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) provided a public statement. TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie provided an overview of the pension fund and healthcare […]
Reminder: Tim Lee Live in D.C. at Social Security Fairness Rally 10:30 a.m. Today!
Members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), time is running out for the U.S. Senate to take a vote to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)! A Social Security Fairness Rally will be held today, December 11, in Washington, D.C. at 10:30 a.m. Central/11:30 a.m. Eastern in Upper Senate […]
Congressional Hearing on WEP and GPO Scheduled for April 16
A congressional hearing to discuss the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Central. The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) and its national coalition partners are engaging in this hearing process by communicating with congressional leaders and will also provide written testimony. […]
Primary Election Day is Tomorrow!
As members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) know, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5 is Primary Election Day! According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than 1.8 million votes were cast during the early voting period, for a statewide turnout of 10.14%. Bear in mind, this is out of 17.9 million registered voters. These elections […]
Happy Holidays from TRTA and TRTF!
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) extends its season’s greetings to all of our members and friends. As the year draws to a close, we know our dedicated retirees will enjoy spending time with loved ones and celebrating the holidays. We at TRTA, the Board of Directors and staff, want to express our sincere appreciation […]
Hearing Held for HR 82, Bill Would Repeal GPO and WEP
A congressional hearing to discuss HR 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, was held on November 20, 2023. HR 82, if passed, would repeal the harmful and arbitrary Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). During a previous congressional cycle, HR 82 gained significant momentum and widespread co-sponsorship, but ultimately, failed to pass. The […]