The 2026 General Election is just around the corner. Now is an important time to review the Texas Retired Teachers Association’s (TRTA) legislative priorities and keep them in mind as you choose candidates at the ballot box. Our goals for the 90th Texas Legislature are ambitious and achieving them starts with electing leaders who understand and support the issues affecting Texas public education retirees.
Prioridades legislativas de TRTA
- Restore TRS to Actuarial Soundness
House Bill 2, passed in 2025, increased teacher salaries and added $5 billion in unfunded liability to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), causing the actuarial funding period to increase from 28 to 35 years. TRTA supported the teacher salary increases but also called for additional state funding to address the resulting TRS liability. The 2025 Legislature did not provide that funding, leaving TRS beyond the actuarial soundness standard.
The Legislature must work with stakeholders to develop a strategy to address the impact of HB 2, restore TRS to actuarial soundness, and ensure retirement security for all current and future retirees.
- Deliver a Meaningful Benefit Enhancement
Texas education retirees depend on modest, fixed pensions to cover their expenses, but inflation continues to erode their purchasing power. The average TRS retiree remains more than 30% behind cumulative inflation. TRS retirees need meaningful relief, and the 90th Legislature has an opportunity to deliver it.
The benefit enhancements approved in 2023 demonstrated the Legislature’s commitment to retirees. Now, it is time to take another step forward. We must elect leaders who will fight the effects of inflation and work to provide a pension increase for TRS retirees.
- Fund TRS-Care
For most Texas education retirees, TRS-Care is not one health insurance option among many. It is their primary option for affordable retiree health coverage.
TRTA urges the Legislature to provide biennial funding for TRS-Care at statutory contribution rates and support affordable premiums. Health care funding should help protect participants, not shift additional out-of-pocket costs onto the retirees who can least afford them.
Make a Plan to Vote
Election Day is November 3, and early voting begins October 19. Now is the time to review the candidates, understand where they stand on issues affecting retired Texas public school personnel, and make a plan to cast your ballot.
Key Dates
- October 19: Early voting begins. Find your early voting locations.
- October 23: Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot.
- October 30: Early voting ends.
- November 3: General Election Day.
If you are eligible to vote by mail, make sure you meet the application deadline. If you plan to vote in person, consider voting early to avoid potential Election Day lines. You can also encourage family members, friends, and neighbors to make their own voting plans.
Voting Resources
These resources can help you prepare to vote, research candidates, and learn more about the issues on your ballot.
- The Texas Tribune’s 2026 Voter Guide: Find information about voting, statewide candidates, and other election details, along with links to voter services.
- Raise Your Hand Texas: This education advocacy organization offers resources to help you view voter information, research candidates, and register to vote.
Keep TRTA’s Priorities in Mind
As you decide which candidates deserve your vote, review Prioridades legislativas de TRTA. Consider where candidates stand on the issues that directly affect retired Texas public school personnel.
For candidates seeking election to the Texas Legislature, consider asking this important question: Will you support restoring TRS to actuarial soundness, funding TRS-Care, and delivering a meaningful benefit enhancement for TRS retirees?
Many TRTA chapters are hosting candidate forums, providing opportunities to hear directly from those seeking public office. If you are already a chapter member, contact your chapter president for details. You can also find a TRTA chapter near you to learn more about local activities.
Your vote is an opportunity to make your voice heard on the issues that matter to Texas education retirees. As the November 3 General Election approaches, stay informed, ask questions, and make a plan to vote.
TRTA will continue sharing voting information and resources through the Línea interior in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned!
