Election News: Senate Districts 4 and 28!

Members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) who reside in Texas Senate District 4 voted last week during a special runoff election.

A special election for Texas Senate District 4 was held on Saturday, May 10 to fill the seat being vacated by Senator Tommy Williams. Senator Williams served a vital role in the Senate, most recently as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. This special election was held because Senator Williams will vacate his seat before his term expires in 2016.

Four candidates vied for the position, but none received the necessary number of votes to win the election outright. A runoff election between candidates Brandon Creighton and Steve Toth took place last Tuesday, August 5. Creighton won the runoff election, receiving 67.4% of the vote. To read more about the voter turnout and Representative Creighton’s victory, please read this Texas Tribune article.

Special Election Set for Texas Senate District 28

Governor Perry has scheduled a special election for the vacant District 28 State Senateseat for September 9, 2014. Senator Robert Duncan stepped down from this role after accepting the position of Chancellor at Texas Tech University.

Many of our members are familiar with Senator Duncan, who worked closely with TRTA to formulate legislation to benefit Texas public education retirees throughout his tenure. Senator Duncan most recently co-authored Senate Bill 1458, passed in 2013 during the 83rd Legislative Session. SB 1458 provided the first permanent cost-of-living increase for TRS retirees since 2001 and made the pension fund actuarially sound.

Senator Duncan’s service to Texas continues to provide value for both current and future retirees.

If you live in Texas Senate District 28, be sure to get out and VOTE on September 9! Add the date to your calendar now! Because this is a special election, voter turnout is expected to be very low. YOUR VOTE MATTERS!

Currently, Texas House District 83 Representative Charles Perry, former Texas Tech Vice Chancellor Jodey Arrington and Sweetwater Mayor Greg Wortham are vying to fill the seat. Read more about the candidates here. Start talking to your fellow retirees now about the candidates and make a plan to visit your polling location on September 9.

Thank You!

TRTA continues to be busy this summer, conducting state committee meetings and planning ahead for the 84th Legislative Session. This week, the State Legislative Committee meets in Austin August 13 and 14. Committee members will discuss how best to communicate the impending shortfall to the TRS-Care retiree health insurance program with candidates and legislators, among other issues.

Thank you for being a member of TRTA! Remember, you are a valued member of our organization, and your vote is valuable! Use your power and vote! If you are not a member of TRTA and want more information about joining, please contact us at 1.800.880.1650. Follow us on Facebook!

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