House Committee Assignments Announced

House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) released his committee assignments for the 85th Texas Legislature today. In particular, Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) members should be aware of the House Appropriations Committee and the Pensions Committee.

The House budget bill will include funding for the TRS-Care retiree health insurance program. The Appropriations Committee will be responsible for crafting and passing the House budget bill. Specifically, the Subcommittee on Article III of Appropriations works on education issues. TRTA will keep members informed about any upcoming hearings about their retirement benefits.

The Appropriations Committee members are: John Zerwas – Chair (R-Richmond), Oscar Longoria (D-Mission), Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin), Sarah Davis (R-West University Place), Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin), Helen Giddings (D-DeSoto), Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock), Donna Howard (D-Austin), Sergio Muñoz (D-Palmview), J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville), Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton), Armando Walle (D-Houston), Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), Giovanni Capriglione (R-South Lake), Scott Cosper (R-Killeen), Jay Dean(R-Longview), Mary Gonzålez (D-El Paso), Linda Koop (R-Dallas), Rick Miller (R-Sugar Land), Mary Ann Perez (D-Houston), Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), John Raney (R-College Station), Kevin Roberts (R-Houston), Justin Rodriguez (D-San Antonio), Toni Rose (D-Dallas), Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston), and Gene Wu (D-Houston).

TRTA continues to work with the Legislature on finding ways to improve benefits for TRS retirees, including pension increases. If a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or supplemental payment is passed this session, it will be considered by the House Pensions Committee.

The Pensions Committee members are: Dan Flynn – Chair (R-Canton), Roberto Alonzo(D-Dallas), Justin Rodriguez (D-San Antonio), Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas), Cole Hefner (R-Mt. Pleasant), Dan Huberty (R-Houston), and Dennis Paul (R-Houston).

You can view the full list of the committee assignments here. Stay tuned to the Inside Line throughout legislative session to learn more about upcoming hearings, opportunities to share public testimony, and action alerts.

Thank You

Thank you for your membership to TRTA. We are ardently fighting for your benefits every day at the Capitol. If you are not yet a TRTA member, please join here.

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