Over the last few years, TRS retirees have seen the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (WEP), 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 powerful! Join and renew your membership today!
On Wednesday, March 26, Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) members from all across the state began arriving on the east lawn of the Texas Capitol, with hundreds arriving on chartered buses. The enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,200 educators wore red shirts, visited with legislators, and filled up the House and Senate galleries.
Throughout the day, retirees were honored with proclamations in both the House and the Senate and set up meetings with hundreds of legislators. Tim Lee, the TRTA Executive Director, was specifically honored in the Texas Senate for his tireless advocacy for retired educators! TRTA thanks Sen. Tan Parker, Sen. Joan Huffman, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for making this resolution possible.
The goals for retirees during Day at the Capitol were as follows:
- Celebrate the recent cost-of-living increase and repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO);
- Discuss a possible benefit enhancement, such as a 13th check, with legislators;
- Ensure the funding for TRS-Care, which has already been included in the base budget;
- Ensure the continued support and stability of the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension fund.
TRTA wishes to thank all those legislators who took time out their very busy schedules meet with our members. During the afternoon, hundreds of retirees gathered under the tent to enjoy a complimentary boxed lunch, ice cream, and live music.
Members, if your legislator took the time to meet with you or join us on the east lawn during Day at the Capitol, please be sure to send a handwritten thank you note or give them a phone call to let them know you appreciate their support. Our Day at the Capitol event made a huge impression and put hundreds of faces to the very real and challenging issues that face Texas public education retirees today.
TRTA is making progress in both the House and the Senate on various legislative agenda items, and we must continue communicating with our legislators about the importance of retirement security for all current and future public education retirees.
Thank you to each and every member of TRTA for his or her participation in our convention and Day at the Capitol. Your presence was felt whether you were able to be here in person or participated from home.
The member photo gallery is available here!
¡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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