IMPROVING YOUR RETIREMENT
WHO WE ARE
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is the largest association in the nation for retired educators with a history of successful advocacy at both the state and federal level!
Join the only organization that’s advocating for your TRS retirement plan!
WHO WE ARE
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is the largest association in the nation for retired educators with a history of successful advocacy at both the state and federal level!
Join the only organization that’s advocating for your TRS retirement plan!
Members
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LOCAL CHAPTERS
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LOCAL CHAPTERS
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TRTA THROUGH THE YEARS
1953
TRTA IS FOUNDED
Sixty–five of the 200 members of these six local units met and planned the state organization, which became known as the Texas Retired Teachers Association.
TRTA’s first Executive Director was Mr. E.L. Galyean.
1990s
CPI CATCH-UP
In the 1990s, a four-phase Consumer Price Index Catch-Up Plan was created by the TRTA Legislative Committee under the leadership of Mike Lehr. It was designed to increase annuities for TRS members whose incomes were 15 to 115% below the CPI.
2013
COLA & TRS FUNDING
TRTA was instrumental in passing landmark legislation (Senate Bill 1458) during the 83rd Legislative Session that made the TRS pension fund actuarially sound for the first time in many years. 200,000 TRS retirees received their first permanent cost– of–living increase since 2001 under this bill.
2015
TRS-CARE FUNDING
TRTA kept TRS-Care, the state-run health care program for retired educators, affordable by convincing the Texas Legislature to add $768 million! While the program would face later changes, TRTA's advocacy kept the critical health care afloat during the tumultuous shortfalls!
2019 & 2021
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS
TRTA members led the charge to raise the state's contributions to the Teacher Retirement System's (TRS) pension plan. These increases not only resulted in the pension plan becoming actuarially sound, but also allowed retirees to receive multiple supplemental payments.
2023
COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE
After many TRS retirees went 20 years without receiving a cost-of-living adjustment, TRTA pressured the Texas Legislature to finally approve a cost-of-living increase and supplemental payment. The COLA was contingent on the passage of Prop 9 on the November ballot. Prop 9 received the most votes of any ballot initiative in 2023!
2025
WEP & GPO REPEALED
The 40-year battle to repeal the arbitrary and harmful Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset finally came to an end after TRTA formed a national coalition and applied pressure on the U.S. Congress. Millions of Americans received their full Social Security benefits as well as back pay due to this monumental legislation!
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Mary Lou Walker
Mary Lou Walker
By fighting for me, I now receive my husband’s social security benefits. I am 86 years old. Due to my own social security quarters, as I worked my way through college, I received $44.00 per month. Due to the work of TRTA, I now receive over $1,900.00 per month! This has made my life so much better financially. Please join so that TRTA can continue the important service they provide to you and me.
Joe Ramirez
I had already been retired for four years before even knowing that TRTA and its local chapters existed. I only found out when a retired colleague invited me through Facebook to join. I really wanted to learn more about how TRTA was helping retired school personnel adjust financially and socially to retirement. Chapter meetings have been a great way to reconnect with former colleagues and promote our interests to community members and state leaders.
Joe Ramirez
Sheila Wolf
Sheila Wolf
I joined TRTA primarily for the member benefits like vision and dental insurance. I also enjoy the social activities—monthly lunches, field trips, and bowling, which has surprisingly improved my skills. TRTA provides helpful health information and many chances to volunteer locally and in the community. Most importantly, the organization advocates for current and future public school retirees to improve pensions and health benefits.
Terri Navrkal
TRTA is important to me because it keeps me informed. It keeps me up to date with what is going on in Austin regarding the defined benefit plan and our health care benefits. I want to be informed and protected, and that’s exactly what TRTA does for me.
Terri Navrkal
Thayne Rooney
Thayne Rooney
Every day I am grateful to TRTA for the retirement money that makes such a difference in my life!! I can buy the groceries that I want, I can splurge on little treats from time to time, I can pay my bills and buy prescriptions without having to decide which is more necessary. I am grateful beyond words for TRTA’s support!! This wonderful organization works hard for us, keeping an eye on legislation that could impact us and doing a LOT to make sure retirees are protected and supported!
Michelle Radcliff
Recently, I received the direct deposit back-pay and notice of increased benefits. Also I got a SSA Verification of Benefits letter. The back-pay is a welcomed relief to replenish some of the financial losses that I have experienced from two major hurricanes and medical setbacks. For the first time in many years, I will be able to pay my bills using only monthly income.
Michelle Radcliff
Gary Graser
Gary Graser
TRTA has advocated on my behalf at the Texas Legislature. The most significant impact has been their constant pressure on the U.S. Congress to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision. Their efforts will greatly improve my Social Security payments this year. It is well worth the dues to have have someone speaking on your behalf at the local, state and national level.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Enjoy These Benefits with Your Membership ($35/year):
- Support Your Retirement: Join the only organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for your TRS retirement plan, the Texas Retired Teachers Association.
- Valuable Health Discounts: Access dental and vision coverage with no waiting periods and year-round open enrollment.
- Stay Informed: Receive La voz, our quarterly news bulletin, packed with updates and insights on key retirement issues affecting you.
- More Member Perks: Enjoy additional benefits like professional liability insurance and much more!
TRTA Membership Year is July 1-June 30. Dues are not tax-deductible and are non-refundable.
Regístrese en la Línea Interior
El Línea interior is our free email newsletter that provides updates on issues pertaining to pension, health insurance, Social Security, and other important retired educator information.
