The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is finalizing details for its 66th Annual Convention to be held in Austin April 1—2, 2019. Nearly 1000 retirees are registered for the event already, which is taking place at the Hilton Austin on 500 E. 4th Street. Convention attendees and many other retirees and pre-retirees are also gearing up for a busy day of grassroots advocacy at the Texas Capitol on April 3!
This year’s convention theme, “Connecting the Dots to TRTA’s Success,” is the perfect sentiment that matches TRTA’s drive to succeed during this challenging legislative session in the Texas capital city! Early registration for the convention is now closed. Late (on-site) registration will begin on Monday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. You may view the convention’s schedule of events by clicking here. A list of training sessions and times is also available online here.
Legislation is always a key focus of our annual conventions, and this year our members are excited to learn more about legislation filed this session to make the TRS pension fund actuarially sound and provide retirees with some financial relief.
During the Legislative Luncheon being held on April 2, members will hear from TRTA Executive Director Tim Lee, Representative Mary Gonzalez, Representative Greg Bonnen, TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie, and other legislators about what potential solutions are on the table and how it will affect retirees.
Members will also be able to attend a special legislative pep rally that occurs after the House of Delegates on April 2. Legislative Coordinator Tonna Duke and the Austin legislative team will provide updates on the 86th Legislative Session, including what is happening with bills such as HB 9 and SB 12 and the state’s budget bills. Ms. Duke will share techniques and materials to help members advocate during TRTA Day at the Capitol on April 3.
Day at the Capitol, which is open to all convention attendees as well as any member or friend who wishes to join us, will occur on Wednesday, April 3! TRTA is expecting nearly 2000 attendees for this day of grassroots lobbying. Attendees will receive a bag and materials, including a special #RaisetheBase bracelet to wear while supplies last.
Please be sure to share our press release about convention and Day at the Capitol with your fellow retirees and local media outlets.
Please also pay close attention to the weather forecast. Recent forecasts have indicated there could be rain and heavy thunderstorms in the Austin area the week of April 1. Be sure to pack an umbrella!
For any questions about your registration or delegate certification, please contact our Membership Department at 1.800.880.1650 or email us at membresía@trta.org. We look forward to seeing you in Austin soon!
The March is On to #RAISETHEBASE for the Pension Fund and TRS-Care!
March is the most crucial month for legislative action on issues that impact you and your fellow public education retirees. TRTA is moving full steam ahead and we need your help! March is the month that will make all the difference in our legislative agenda!
The Legislature is moving at a rapid pace, finalizing budget discussions, hearing bills in committee, having heated floor session debates, and we need them to be THINKING ABOUT YOU while they are doing the work of Texas!
TRTA Needs Your Help!
1. Call Your Legislators
Use our toll-free hotline 1.888.674.3788. Let’s make 25,000 phone calls in March! Make regular, once-weekly phone calls to your elected officials asking them to “Raise the Base Funding for the Pension Fund and TRS-Care!”
2. Email Your Legislators
Email your elected officials! TRTA members have sent thousands of emails so far this session. Let’s send 50,000 emails this month!
3. RSVP to TRTA Day at the Capitol
Make a plan to join us at Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 3!
Gracias
Gracias por su membresía en TRTA. Estamos luchando ardientemente por sus beneficios todos los días en el Capitolio. Si aún no es miembro de TRTA, por favor únete aquí.
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