End of Special Session, etc.
The special legislative session has ended, with the House adjourning sine die on Wednesday June 29 and the Senate doing so the day before. TRTA members have been waiting to learn the outcome of SB 1, to which Representative Larry Gonzales attached an amendment intended to provide financial relief to TRS annuitants. A conference committee […]
TRTA Action Alert : Retain the Gonzales Amendment to SB 1
TRTA members can still influence outcome on possible supplemental payment The current special legislative session is in its final days, but there is at least one big issue that TRTA members are waiting to learn its final outcome. An amendment added to SB 1 by Representative Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) would authorize TRS to make […]
One More Chance for Possible Payment
Contact Your Legislator Today The Texas House is debating a school funding bill today. Representative Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) has filed an amendment that would add the language from HB 3542 to this bill. As you will recall, HB 3542 provides an opportunity for TRS retirees to receive a supplemental payment if certain conditions are […]
Amendment Adopted!
Gonzales Amendment Adopted to SB 1 TRTA Members Push Hard and Texas House Responds Though the notice was short and time was of the essence, thousands of TRTA members sent emails and made phone calls asking the Texas House to adopt an amendment to SB 1 that provides retirees with the possibility to receive a […]
TRTA Update: Regular Over, Special Starts
Regular Session Ends, A Special Session Begins… What You Need to Know The complete TRTA recap of the 82nd Regular Legislative Session will appear in The VOICE (the TRTA quarterly publication) next month. For now, here are key highlights about the end of the regular session and what you should know about the special session […]
Bad Politics, Questionable Policy for TRS-Care
Good News on Budget Agreement for TRS Retirees, BUT… Last Minute Budget Maneuver May Have TRS Jumping Through Hoops The long-awaited conference committee report on the state budget was released last night, with good and bad news for TRS retirees. The Good News Legislative conferees agreed to keep the funding for the TRS-Care health insurance […]
Update on TRS Board Bill — Going to the Governor
HB 2120 Passes Senate Now Awaits Governor’s Decision HB 2120 passed the Senate unanimously on Tuesday, May 24. The bill, which would allow the designated higher education retiree position on the TRS Board of Trustees to be open to any member of TRS, now goes to the Governor for his signature or veto. HB 2120 […]
Action Alert — Second Chance for HB 3542
Another Chance for HB 3542! Good News on Budget Negotiations for TRS-Care Participants The Texas House should take up SB 1581, the “school finance” bill, tonight. This bill is being prepped for several possible amendments. One amendment that will be offered to SB 1581 is a bill the Texas House previously approved with a vote […]
UPDATE – SB 1581 Falls to Point of Order
SB 1581 Dies on Procedural Issue The bill that was earlier thought to be a vehicle for an amendment by Representative Larry Gonzales has died on a procedural ruling known as a “Point of Order” by Representative Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas). TRTA thanks all the members that responded so quickly to our earlier email on this […]
HRA Amendment Not Added
Update on HRA Amendment and SB 1811 Legislature Does NOT Add HRA to TRS-Care Thousands of TRTA members emailed and called their legislators asking them to vote “NO!” on an amendment adding Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) to the TRS-Care program. With much gratitude to the TRTA membership and the Texas Legisalture, this amendment was NOT […]